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Prashar N, Mohammed SB, Raja NS, Mohideen HS. Rerouting therapeutic peptides and unlocking their potential against SARS-CoV2. 3 Biotech 2025; 15:116. [PMID: 40191455 PMCID: PMC11971104 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-025-04270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2025] [Accepted: 03/10/2025] [Indexed: 04/09/2025] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the potential of peptide-based therapies as an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical treatments for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Our review explores the role of therapeutic peptides in modulating immune responses, inhibiting viral entry, and disrupting replication. Despite challenges such as stability, bioavailability, and the rapid mutation of the virus, ongoing research and clinical trials show that peptide-based treatments are increasingly becoming integral to future viral outbreak responses. Advancements in computational modelling methods in combination with artificial intelligence will enable mass screening of therapeutic peptides and thereby, comprehending a peptide repurposing strategy similar to the small molecule repurposing. These findings suggest that peptide-based therapies play a critical and promising role in future pandemic preparedness and outbreak management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Prashar
- Bioinformatics and Entomoinformatics Lab, Department of Genetic Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
| | - Saharuddin Bin Mohammed
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N. S. Raja
- Deparmtent of Genetic Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
| | - Habeeb Shaik Mohideen
- Bioinformatics and Entomoinformatics Lab, Department of Genetic Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603203 India
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Privitera GF, Musso N, Micale G, Bonomo C, Alaimo S, Bivona D, Bonacci PG, Scalia G, Stefani S, Pulvirenti A. CovidTGI: A tool to investigate the temporal genetic instability of SARS-CoV-2 variants. iScience 2025; 28:112315. [PMID: 40264800 PMCID: PMC12013479 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.112315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2024] [Revised: 12/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for fast and accurate epidemiology, particularly due to the high observed mutation frequency in SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to explore the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 through a global analysis. To facilitate a comparative analysis of temporal mutation data, we developed CovidTGI, a Shiny web application. CovidTGI provides insights into observed mutation frequencies and the temporal relationships among mutations across various clades in different geographical regions. Our tool relies on a database that includes 2 million samples obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), along with 500 in-house Sicilian samples collected between May 2021 and June 2022. From this smaller group of samples, we identified key variants that are prevalent within a specific clade. Our tool is designed to study the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, which clearly follows a complex trajectory. This complexity highlights the necessity for sophisticated tools like CovidTGI to understand and track the evolution of this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grete Francesca Privitera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Bioinformatic Unit, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMAR Lab), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Micale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Bioinformatic Unit, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelo Bonomo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMAR Lab), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Alaimo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Bioinformatic Unit, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Dalida Bivona
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMAR Lab), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Giuseppe Bonacci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMAR Lab), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Guido Scalia
- U.O.C. Laboratory Analysis Unit, A.O.U. ‘Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele’, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stefani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Medical Molecular Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory (MMAR Lab), University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pulvirenti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Bioinformatic Unit, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 95125 Catania, Italy
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Isamail S, Idris IB, Mohd Yusoff H. Obstetric services preparedness among healthcare workers in maternal wards during COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2025; 25:443. [PMID: 40229684 PMCID: PMC11995598 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-025-07474-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been spreading rapidly since 2019, leading to devastating consequences worldwide, as well as putting healthcare providers at high risk. This study intends to assess the awareness and preparedness activities among maternal healthcare (MHC) workers and to determine factors that lead to obstetric services' preparedness in ten Government Hospitals in Selangor, Malaysia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 409 MHC workers which include doctors, nurses, and midwives in the government hospitals in Selangor, Malaysia between May 2022 till June 2022. Respondents were given validated questionnaires which include socio-demographic background, knowledge, awareness, and attitude as well as the obstetric services' preparedness activities in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Majority of the respondents were nurses/midwives (87.5%), female (98.5%), age 35-45 years old (48.5%), had working experience of more than 5 years (92.7%), had good knowledge and awareness (92.2%) and good obstetric services preparedness (88.3%). However, only about half (54.0%) of them had positive attitude towards COVID-19. When controlling for confounding factors, multivariate analysis showed that working period factor (p < 0.001), knowledge and awareness factor (p < 0.001) and attitude factor (p < 0.001) were significant predictive factors of obstetric services preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Majority of the respondents had good knowledge and awareness, as well as good level of obstetric services preparedness. However, only about half of them had a positive attitude towards COVID-19. The findings in this study revealed that efforts should be made to further increase the knowledge and attitude of MHC workers on COVID-19 and more so to further improve the positivity of their attitude towards this pandemic so that they can provide better obstetric services especially in the current and future pandemics to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaiyah Isamail
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
| | - Idayu Badilla Idris
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia.
| | - Hanizah Mohd Yusoff
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia
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4
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Bleidißel N, Klaas J, Maier M. Macular hole surgery in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2025; 15:12737. [PMID: 40222982 PMCID: PMC11994764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-96528-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025] Open
Abstract
To assess whether there were any differences in patient presentation, morphological and functional features as well as surgical treatment for full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) during the lockdown periods amidst the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the previous year. A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients with FTMH who received treatment at a large tertiary center during the lockdown periods from March 16 to June 16, 2020, and December 9, 2020, to June 6, 2021 (35 eyes, mean age 66 years). Corresponding periods from the previous year were chosen as a control group (41 eyes, mean age 71 years). The patients' demographics, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), symptom duration, time from presentation to surgical treatment, and surgical technique were determined. The minimal and base diameters of the FTMH were assessed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. During the lockdown periods in the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no significant differences in the number of patients, duration of symptoms, time from presentation to surgical treatment, surgical technique, macular hole size, base diameter, closure rate or pre- and postoperative BCVA between the two groups. However, there was a significant increase in the number of patients who presented directly at the clinic on an emergency basis without prior contact with a community-based ophthalmologist. This study suggests that the diagnosis and the provision of timely surgical treatment of FTMH were not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, patients more frequently sought immediate emergency care at the hospital. This could be attributed to challenges in scheduling and obtaining appointments at outpatient clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Bleidißel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Julian Klaas
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias Maier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
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Song TH, Clemente L, Pan X, Jang J, Santillana M, Lee K. Fine-grained forecasting of COVID-19 trends at the county level in the United States. NPJ Digit Med 2025; 8:204. [PMID: 40216974 PMCID: PMC11992165 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-025-01606-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a devastating global impact, profoundly affecting daily life, healthcare systems, and public health infrastructure. Despite the availability of treatments and vaccines, hospitalizations and deaths continue. Real-time surveillance of infection trends supports resource allocation and mitigation strategies, but reliable forecasting remains a challenge. While deep learning has advanced time-series forecasting, its effectiveness relies on large datasets, a significant obstacle given the pandemic's evolving nature. Most models use national or state-level data, limiting both dataset size and the granularity of insights. To address this, we propose the Fine-Grained Infection Forecast Network (FIGI-Net), a stacked bidirectional LSTM structure designed to leverage county-level data to produce daily forecasts up to two weeks in advance. FIGI-Net outperforms existing models, accurately predicting sudden changes such as new outbreaks or peaks, a capability many state-of-the-art models lack. This approach could enhance public health responses and outbreak preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hsi Song
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Leonardo Clemente
- Department of Physics and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xiang Pan
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Junbong Jang
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mauricio Santillana
- Department of Physics and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Kwonmoo Lee
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Tuttle JB, Allais C, Allerton CMN, Anderson AS, Arcari JT, Aschenbrenner LM, Avery M, Bellenger J, Berritt S, Boras B, Boscoe BP, Buzon LM, Cardin RD, Carlo AA, Coffman KJ, Dantonio A, Di L, Eng H, Farley KA, Ferre RA, Gajiwala KS, Gibson SA, Greasley SE, Hurst BL, Kadar EP, Kalgutkar AS, Lachapelle EA, Lanyon LF, Lee J, Lee J, Lian Y, Liu W, Martínez-Alsina LA, Mason SW, Noell S, Novak J, Obach RS, Ogilvie K, O'Neil SV, Ostner G, Owen DR, Patel NC, Pettersson M, Singh RS, Rai DK, Reese MR, Sakata S, Sammons MF, Sathish JG, Sharma R, Steppan CM, Stewart A, Updyke L, Verhoest PR, Wei L, Wright SW, Yang E, Yang Q, Zhu Y. Discovery of Nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332): A Potent, Orally Active Inhibitor of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) Main Protease. J Med Chem 2025; 68:7003-7030. [PMID: 40019854 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2025]
Abstract
In early 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) infections leading to COVID-19 disease reached a global level leading to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of a pandemic. Scientists around the globe rapidly responded to try and discover novel therapeutics and repurpose extant drugs to treat the disease. This work describes the preclinical discovery efforts that led to the invention of PF-07321332 (nirmatrelvir, 14), a potent and orally active inhibitor of the SARS CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) enzyme. At the outset we focused on modifying PF-00835231 (1) discovered in 2004 as a potent inhibitor of the SARS CoV-1 Mpro with poor systemic exposure. Our effort was focused on modifying 1 with the goal of engineering in oral bioavailability by design, while maintaining cellular potency and low metabolic clearance. Modifications of 1 ultimately led to the invention of nirmatrelvir 14, the Mpro inhibitor component in PAXLOVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamison B Tuttle
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Christophe Allais
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | | | - Joel T Arcari
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | - Melissa Avery
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Justin Bellenger
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Simon Berritt
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Britton Boras
- Pfizer Research & Development, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | - Brian P Boscoe
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Leanne M Buzon
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Rhonda D Cardin
- Pfizer Research & Development, Pearl River, New York 10965, United States
| | - Anthony A Carlo
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Karen J Coffman
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Alyssa Dantonio
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Li Di
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Heather Eng
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Kathleen A Farley
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Rose Ann Ferre
- Pfizer Research & Development, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | - Ketan S Gajiwala
- Pfizer Research & Development, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | - Scott A Gibson
- Institute of Antiviral Research, Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, United States
| | | | - Brett L Hurst
- Institute of Antiviral Research, Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, United States
| | - Eugene P Kadar
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Amit S Kalgutkar
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Erik A Lachapelle
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Lorraine F Lanyon
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jisun Lee
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jack Lee
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Yajing Lian
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Wei Liu
- Pfizer Research & Development, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | | | - Stephen W Mason
- Pfizer Research & Development, Pearl River, New York 10965, United States
| | - Stephen Noell
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jonathan Novak
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - R Scott Obach
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Kevin Ogilvie
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Steven V O'Neil
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Gregory Ostner
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Dafydd R Owen
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Nandini C Patel
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Martin Pettersson
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ravi Shankar Singh
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Devendra K Rai
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Matthew R Reese
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Sylvie Sakata
- Pfizer Research & Development, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | - Matthew F Sammons
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jean G Sathish
- Pfizer Research & Development, Pearl River, New York 10965, United States
| | - Raman Sharma
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Claire M Steppan
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Al Stewart
- Pfizer Research & Development, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | - Lawrence Updyke
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Patrick R Verhoest
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Liuqing Wei
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Stephen W Wright
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Eddie Yang
- Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Qingyi Yang
- Pfizer Research & Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yuao Zhu
- Pfizer Research & Development, Pearl River, New York 10965, United States
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Seong J, Babakulov A, Asilova S, Shakhnoza B, Nodira M, Mirzayev A. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head in post-COVID-19 patients: a retrospective comparative study. J Orthop Surg Res 2025; 20:362. [PMID: 40211352 PMCID: PMC11984230 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-05657-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2025] [Accepted: 02/26/2025] [Indexed: 04/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed many lives and continues to impact individuals through post-COVID-19 conditions. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is increasingly recognized as a major post-COVID-19 complication, yet most studies are limited to case reports and small series. This study aimed to evaluate COVID-19-related factors potentially contributing to ONFH development in post-COVID-19 patients. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 patients with ONFH and a confirmed history of COVID-19. Baseline characteristics were collected, and patients were categorized into the following groups for comparative analysis: (1) vaccinated vs. unvaccinated, (2) unilateral vs. bilateral ONFH, (3) dexamethasone (DEX) and methylprednisolone (MPS) vs. DEX therapy, and (4) Association Research Circulation Osseus (ARCO) stage 2 vs. stage 3. Group differences and associations were analyzed. RESULTS The DEX and MPS-treated group had a greater extent of COVID-19 lung involvement compared to the DEX-treated group (59.2% vs. 36.3%, p = 0.002), as well as longer hospital stays in both general ward (14.2 days vs. 10.6 days, p = 0.018) and ICU (5.4 days vs. 3 days, p = 0.017). The DEX and MPS-treated group also had a longer duration of steroid therapy (19.3 days vs. 12.3 days, p < 0.001) and received higher DEX-equivalent cumulative steroid doses (380 mg vs. 125 mg, p < 0.001). Notably, ONFH symptoms developed earlier in the DEX and MPS-treated group compared to the DEX-treated group (7.5 months vs. 12 months, p = 0.004). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified cumulative steroid dose as the sole predictor of ONFH severity (OR: 1.015, 95% CI: 1.001-1.028, p = 0.032), with ARCO stage 3 patients receiving higher cumulative steroid doses than stage 2 patients (240 mg vs. 126 mg, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that cumulative steroid dose is the primary determinant of ONFH severity in post-COVID-19 patients. Additionally, combined use of corticosteroids may accelerate the onset of ONFH, highlighting the need for cautious steroid management in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichang Seong
- School of Medicine, Central Asian University, Tashkent, 111221, Uzbekistan
| | - Abduaziz Babakulov
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Akfa Medline University Hospital, Tashkent, 100211, Uzbekistan
| | - Saodat Asilova
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Kimyo University Hospital, Tashkent, 100121, Uzbekistan
| | | | - Makhmudova Nodira
- School of Medicine, Central Asian University, Tashkent, 111221, Uzbekistan
| | - Akbarjon Mirzayev
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Akfa Medline University Hospital, Tashkent, 100211, Uzbekistan.
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8
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Fidanoglu V, Saglam M, Pekcetin S, Vardar Yagli N, Yildiz BP, Bayraktaroglu M, Ergun Alis E. Exercise Capacity and Occupational Competence Sequelae in COVID-19 Survivors: A Longitudinal Study. Occup Ther Health Care 2025:1-17. [PMID: 40202293 DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2025.2488124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2025] [Indexed: 04/10/2025]
Abstract
The Sars-Cov-2 infection disease (COVID-19) causes symptoms during both acute and post-COVID phases. This study assessed exercise capacity and occupational competence of 20 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, at discharge and three months later using the 6-Minute Step Test and Occupational Self-Assessment. Significant differences were found in both exercise capacity and occupational competence scores between discharge and three months later (p < 0.05). However, these measurements were not correlated (p > 0.05). Although patients show improvement after discharge, some symptoms persisted, affecting their exercise, and occupational performance. Further research is needed to explore long-term occupational outcomes of COVID-19 beyond one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vildan Fidanoglu
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Haliç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melda Saglam
- Department of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serkan Pekcetin
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Gülhane Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Naciye Vardar Yagli
- Department of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Birsen Pinar Yildiz
- Department of Chest Diseases, Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mesut Bayraktaroglu
- Department of Chest Diseases, Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Ergun Alis
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Aydın University VM Medical Park Florya Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Atarashi Y, Kim J, Irino Y, Amano M, Tsuchiya K, Maeda K, Terada M, Iwamoto N, Shimada S, Mitsuya H, Yanagida M, Takamatsu Y. A high-throughput, fully automated competition assay to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing responses and epitope specificity in clinical samples. Sci Rep 2025; 15:11589. [PMID: 40185856 PMCID: PMC11971398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-94317-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2025] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) remains a critical global health concern. We developed a fully automated, high-throughput competition immunoassay to elucidate how epitope recognition on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) correlates with neutralizing activity. Analysis of clinical samples from both SARS-CoV-2-infected and vaccinated individuals revealed that vaccination elicits significantly higher antibody titers across multiple S1 subunit epitopes compared to natural infection. Notably, median antibody levels against the receptor-binding motif (RBM) exceeded 50% in both cohorts, highlighting the RBM as a key target for antibody induction irrespective of immune origin. Furthermore, the strongest correlation with neutralizing activity was observed for antibodies directed against the broader S1 subunit, indicating that epitopes outside the RBM also contribute to neutralization. These findings underscore the importance of both RBM- and non-RBM-directed antibodies in effective immune defense against SARS-CoV-2. Our assay enables large-scale, reliable quantification of neutralizing antibodies and provides critical insights for developing improved diagnostic antigens and vaccine strategies aimed at eliciting robust, multi-epitope immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Atarashi
- Central Research Laboratories, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Jeeeun Kim
- Central Research Laboratories, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Irino
- Central Research Laboratories, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Masayuki Amano
- Department of Clinical Retrovirology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Tsuchiya
- AIDS Clinical Center, Center hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Kenji Maeda
- Refractory Viral Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
- Division of Antiviral Therapy, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan, 890-8544
| | - Mari Terada
- Department of Disease Control Center, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Noriko Iwamoto
- Department of Disease Control Center, Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Shinya Shimada
- Japan Community Healthcare Organization, Kumamoto General Hospital, 866- 8660, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mitsuya
- Refractory Viral Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
- Experimental Retrovirology Section, HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 20892-1868, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Division of Clinical Sciences, Kumamoto University Hospital, 860-8556, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Yanagida
- Central Research Laboratories, Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, 651-2271, Japan
| | - Yuki Takamatsu
- Refractory Viral Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan.
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Vallibhakara SAO, Piyatham N, Vallibhakara O, Manonai J. Quality of life and the associated factors among postmenopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Arch Womens Ment Health 2025:10.1007/s00737-025-01581-2. [PMID: 40175774 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-025-01581-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2025] [Indexed: 04/04/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of postmenopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand and the associated factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study using a validated Thai version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess QOL was conducted. RESULTS A total of 453 postmenopausal women participated in the study, with a median age of 58 years (ranging from 41 to 65). These women, residing in urban areas of Thailand such as Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon, completed a survey questionnaire with the assistance of health volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, between October 2021 and April 2022. The study revealed that 55.85% of participants reported experiencing poor quality of life (QOL) during the pandemic. Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified several significant associations with QOL. Factors linked to a poorer QOL included lower levels of well-being index (odds ratio [OR] 7.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.16-19.75, P < 0.01), reduced physical activity (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.62-4.54, P < 0.01), and the severity of menopausal symptoms (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.42-2.66, P < 0.01). Conversely, higher education (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.75, P < 0.01), an earlier onset of menopause (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39-0.78, P < 0.01), and occasional social alcohol consumption (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.94, P = 0.03) were identified as protective factors for QOL. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive menopausal care, addressing both physical and mental well-being, and providing specific care for menopausal symptoms during challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakda Arj-Ong Vallibhakara
- Interdisciplinary Studies and Lifelong Education, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nichakorn Piyatham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Orawin Vallibhakara
- Menopause Unit, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Jittima Manonai
- Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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11
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Harshaw N, Durante K, Moore K, Bresz K, Campbell A, Perea LL. The Severity of Appendicitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single Institution Experience. Am Surg 2025:31348251332688. [PMID: 40173088 DOI: 10.1177/00031348251332688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2025]
Abstract
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic led to nationwide stay at home orders, leading to delays in medical care. We sought to identify if the severity of appendicitis changed during the pandemic due to these delays and if there were differences in appendicitis severity in patients with simultaneous COVID-19 infection. We hypothesized that pandemic-related restrictions led to more severe cases of appendicitis.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study (4/2018-4/2022) of all patients ≥ 5y with appendicitis. Patients with a malignant appendiceal specimen were excluded. Clinical outcomes and characteristics were compared in those with appendicitis prior to the COVID-19 (PC) era to those in the COVID-19 (C) era, as well as between COVID-19 positive (C+) and negative (C-) individuals. Univariate analyses were conducted. A P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsA total of 1665 patients met inclusion criteria, 806 (48.4%) in PC era, and 859 (51.6%) in C era. Age and gender did not differ from PC era to C era, nor did they differ from the C- group to the C+ group. The C era had significantly higher 30-day readmissions than the PC era (C 6.29% (n = 54) v. PC 2.73% (n = 22), P = 0.001). The C era also had more greater than 30-day readmissions than the PC era (C 3.26% (n = 28) v. PC 1.74% (n = 14), P = 0.048). There was no significant difference in the reason for 30-day or greater than 30-day readmissions for the PC vs C eras. Of the C era, 833 (97.0%) were C- and 26 (3.0%) were C+. Rates of nonoperative management at index admission were not different between groups. The white blood cell (WBC) count was significantly lower in C+, 11.9 (8.55-13.35 IQR), vs C- group, 12.85 (9.9-15.3 IQR), P = 0.0336. There was no significant difference in the severity of appendicitis nor readmission status in C+ vs C- groups during the C era.ConclusionOur data indicates that the PC era had more severe cases of appendicitis as shown by higher rates of perforated and gangrenous appendicitis on pathology reports compared to the C era. Interestingly, readmissions were more prevalent in the C era as opposed to the PC era, which coincided with an increase in complications requiring readmission following laparoscopic appendectomies. In evaluating appendicitis patients according to COVID-19 status, we saw no significant differences in the severity of appendicitis in C- and C+ individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Harshaw
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Penn Medicine, Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Kameron Durante
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Penn Medicine, Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Katherine Moore
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Penn Medicine, Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Kellie Bresz
- Data and Analytics, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexis Campbell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Penn Medicine, Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Lindsey L Perea
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Penn Medicine, Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA, USA
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Carter JY, Khamadi S, Mwangi J, Muhula S, Munene SM, Kanyara L, Kinyua J, Lagat N, Chege J, Oira R, Maiyo A, Stewart R, Postma M, Stekelenburg J, Osur J, van Hulst M. Seroprevalence and demographic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-infected residents of Kibera informal settlement during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2025; 15:e094546. [PMID: 40180388 PMCID: PMC11966967 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-094546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the residents of Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, before vaccination became widespread, and explore demographic and health-related risk factors for infection. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Kibera informal settlement, Nairobi, Kenya. PARTICIPANTS Residents of Kibera informal settlement between October 2019 and August 2021, age 1 year and above who reported no current symptoms of COVID-19. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Associations were determined between SARS-CoV-2 positive tests measured with one rapid test and two ELISAs and demographic and health-related factors, using Pearson's χ2 test. Crude OR and adjusted OR were calculated to quantify the strength of associations between variables and seropositive status. RESULTS A total of 438 participants were recruited. Most (79.2%) were age 18-50 years; females (64.2%) exceeded males. More than one-third (39.1%) were unemployed; only 7.4% were in formal, full-time employment. Less than one-quarter (22.1%) self-reported any underlying health conditions. Nearly two-thirds (64.2%) reported symptoms compatible with COVID-19 in the previous 16 months; only one (0.23%) had been hospitalised with a reported negative COVID-19 test. 370 (84.5%) participants tested positive in any of the three tests. There was no significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity across age, sex, presence of underlying health conditions, on medication or those ever tested for SARS-CoV-2. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that COVID-19 symptoms in the previous 16 months were the only significant independent predictor of seropositivity (p=0.0085). CONCLUSION High SARS-CoV-2 exposure with limited morbidity was found in the residents of Kibera informal settlement. The study confirms other reports of high SARS-CoV-2 exposure with limited morbidity in slum communities. Reasons cited include the high infectious disease burden on the African continent, demographic age structure and underreporting due to limited testing and lack of access to healthcare services; genetic factors may also play a role. These factors require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Y Carter
- Regional Laboratory Programme, Amref Health Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samoel Khamadi
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Mwangi
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samuel Muhula
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Department, Amref Health Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen M Munene
- Regional Laboratory Programme, Amref Health Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lucy Kanyara
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joyceline Kinyua
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy Lagat
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Judy Chege
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Robert Oira
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alex Maiyo
- Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Roy Stewart
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Postma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, University of Groningen, Faculty of Economics and Business, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Jelle Stekelenburg
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Frisius Medical Center Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim Osur
- Office of the Vice Chancellor, Amref International University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marinus van Hulst
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
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13
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Iordanou C, Turner E. COVID-19 trauma-related stress in young people: do sensory-processing sensitivity, resilience, and life satisfaction play a role? PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2025; 30:708-722. [PMID: 39679801 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2024.2439065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2024] [Indexed: 12/17/2024]
Abstract
Although COVID-19 was experienced as a traumatic event with long-lasting effects, there is limited data on its traumatic impact in relation to factors that can promote or threaten young people's mental wellbeing. This study investigated the association between sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS), resilience, and life satisfaction with COVID-19 trauma-related stress and whether resilience mediates the relationship between SPS and COVID-19 traumatic stress in a young sample. A total of 441 individuals aged between 16 and 25 years (Mage = 19.26, SD = 1.65) participated in an online survey in the UK between November 2021 and April 2022. We found that SPS was positively correlated, and resilience was negatively correlated with COVID-19 trauma-related stress. Life satisfaction was not significantly related to COVID-19 trauma-related stress. A mediation analysis showed that the relationship between SPS and COVID-19 trauma-related stress was mediated by resilience. Our findings suggest that resilience can be a protective factor against the traumatic effect of COVID-19 in young people, but other factors should also be considered. Our study makes implications about the potential benefits of including resilience in interventions which target young people's mental wellbeing.
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14
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Jacobs EJ, Spiker S, Newsome KB, Danielson ML, Bhupalam S, Leeb RT. Mental health in undergraduate students several months into the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2025; 73:1426-1435. [PMID: 38015158 PMCID: PMC11130070 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2277193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare mental health indicators among undergraduates in Fall 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and Fall 2020, when many students returned to campus amidst restrictions on in-person contact. PARTICIPANTS Analyses included 26,881 undergraduate students, aged 18-24, from 70 U.S. institutions. METHODS Students completed the National College Health Assessment-III survey in Fall 2019 or Fall 2020. RESULTS The prevalences of high stress, loneliness, a low flourishing score, and serious psychological distress increased in 2020 compared to 2019. Serious psychological distress increased substantially in 2020 among students not living with family (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)=1.36, 95% CI 1.29-1.45) but not among students living with family (aPR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.95-1.26). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest prevalences of several indicators of poor mental health were elevated among U.S. undergraduates several months into the pandemic. The pandemic may have had greater impact on mental health among students not living with family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Jacobs
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sable Spiker
- Office of the Associate Director for Policy and Strategy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kimberly B. Newsome
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Melissa L. Danielson
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sivapriya Bhupalam
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rebecca T. Leeb
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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15
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Lue C, Petrie TA, Moore EWG. NCAA international student-athletes' psychological wellbeing during COVID-19: Gender and academic year. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2025; 73:1856-1864. [PMID: 39889208 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2025.2459739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 11/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/02/2025]
Abstract
Objective: To examine international student-athletes' (ISAs) rates of depression, perceived stress, problematic drinking, and sleep disturbance. Participants: 509 ISAs (Mage = 20.39 years, women = 63.1%) from over 80 NCAA institutions. Methods: Survey data were collected in April/May 2020. Results: Overall, 27.9% and 9.2% endorsed clinical and high levels of depression and stress, respectively; 2.4% (n = 12) reported severe sleep disturbances and 12.4% (n = 63) problematic drinking. Except problematic drinking, being a woman ISA was associated with significantly higher levels of disturbance. Year in school interacted with gender for perceived stress; men ISAs in their 2nd year or higher reported the lowest levels. Conclusions: Large numbers of ISAs endorsed clinical/severe levels of psychological concerns at onset of COVID-19, likely due to the unique stressors experienced by this international college population. Athletic departments, like universities in general, must provide culturally-sensitive mental health services for their ISAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cachet Lue
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Trent A Petrie
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - E Whitney G Moore
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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16
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Xaba N, Qureshi O, Pasha A, Malik A, Hoppe A, Tun ZM, Fynn N, Sibeko G, Khowaja S, Khan AJ. Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Factors Influencing COVID-19 Testing Uptake: Insights from Urban and Rural Communities in South Africa. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2025; 112:37-45. [PMID: 39903929 PMCID: PMC11965710 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2025] Open
Abstract
Access, demand, and acceptance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing have varied globally. This study explored the sociodemographic and psychosocial risk factors that contribute to the uptake of COVID-19 testing in community settings in South Africa. This paper presents a cross-sectional secondary analysis using data from a cluster randomized controlled trial and a nested perception survey of COVID-19 antigen testing in communities located in urban (eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal) and rural settings (Worcester, Eastern Cape) in South Africa. Individuals who were reluctant to get tested participated in the perception survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to assess linear associations and estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs). The analysis was conducted on 3,074 individuals, of whom 2,509 (81.6%) provided consent for COVID-19 testing. Among those, 2,505 (81.5%) tested negative, and 4 (0.1%) tested positive for COVID-19. The mean age of participants was 38 (SD = 14.61), and 57% were male. Females (OR: 1.27; 95% CI = 1-1.6), individuals older than 56 years (OR: 1.95; 95% CI = 1.24-3.07), and those who were vaccinated (OR: 1.99; 95% CI = 1.53-2.60) were more likely to consent. Individuals who had previously tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were less likely to consent to testing (OR: 0.64; 95% CI = 0.11-0.46). No link was found between depression, anxiety, substance use, and willingness to undergo COVID-19 testing. A perceptions survey involving 704 participants, which explored factors influencing testing willingness, found that older adults, and urban populations were less likely to undergo COVID-19 testing. Targeted health campaigns may improve testing rates. Larger-scale implementation research is required to explore best practices for improving testing rates and confidence in population-level detection within South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nokhanyo Xaba
- Interactive Research & Development (IRD), South Africa, Durban, South Africa
| | - Onaiza Qureshi
- Interactive Research & Development (IRD), Pakistan, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aneeta Pasha
- Interactive Research & Development (IRD), South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- Interactive Research & Development (IRD) Global, Singapore
| | - Amyn Malik
- Interactive Research & Development (IRD) Global, Singapore
| | - Anne Hoppe
- FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zaw Myo Tun
- Interactive Research & Development (IRD) Global, Singapore
| | - National Fynn
- Interactive Research & Development (IRD), South Africa, Durban, South Africa
| | - Goodman Sibeko
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Saira Khowaja
- Interactive Research & Development (IRD) Global, Singapore
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17
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Victorin D, Bergquist H, Hafsten L, Nihlén Å, Lindell E. Low Molecular Weight Heparin Dosing in Relation to Postoperative Bleeding After Tracheotomy in Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2-A Descriptive Study. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2025; 10:e70122. [PMID: 40177253 PMCID: PMC11963079 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.70122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2024] [Revised: 01/02/2025] [Accepted: 02/02/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to analyze whether patients with SARS-CoV-2 who received surgical tracheotomy had a lower incidence of postoperative bleeding if their LMWH was postponed or canceled on the day of surgery. Methods Patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to the intensive care units who underwent surgical tracheotomy were assessed retrospectively through their medical records. Data on comorbidity, LMWH dose, and timing were collected. Bleedings < 72 h post surgery were noted as stomal or airway bleedings. Results All 101 patients included were on LMWH. Twenty-two patients had no change of dose of LMWH, 24 patients had their dose of LMWH postponed to post surgery, and 50 patients had their dose reduced to only the evening dose on the day of surgery. Twenty-six patients had a stomal bleeding, one patient had an airway bleeding, and four patients had both stomal and airway bleedings. No significant difference in the incidence of bleeding was identified between various groups of different LMWH doses or timing, reduced dose versus no change of dose, OR 1.29 (95% CI 0.42-3.92). Postponed dose versus no change of dose of LMWH, OR 1.03 (95% CI 0.28-3.75). Increasing age was correlated to a higher risk of bleeding post-surgery by an OR of 1.64 (95% CI 1.06-2.54, p = 0.026 for every 10 years added). No fatal bleeding related to surgical tracheotomy was observed. Conclusion Decreased doses of LMWH on the day of surgery were not associated with a risk reduction for post-surgical bleeding in patients with SARS-CoV-2 who received tracheotomy. Increasing age was a risk factor for post-surgical bleeding. Level of Evidence Retrospective, level 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Victorin
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyRegion Västra Götaland, Södra Älvsborg HospitalBoråsSweden
- Department of Research, Education and InnovationRegion Västra Götaland, Södra Älvsborg HospitalBoråsSweden
| | - Henrik Bergquist
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical SciencesSahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyRegion Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Louise Hafsten
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical SciencesSahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Åsa Nihlén
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyRegion Västra Götaland, Södra Älvsborg HospitalBoråsSweden
| | - Ellen Lindell
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyRegion Västra Götaland, Södra Älvsborg HospitalBoråsSweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical SciencesSahlgrenska Academy, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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18
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Murphy B, Rohrbeck CA, Wirtz PW, Hoffert F, DeArcangelis N. Optimism and emergency preparedness self-efficacy: Moderators of the relationship between perceived threat of disasters and COVID-19 anxiety symptoms. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2025; 73:1847-1855. [PMID: 39908328 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2025.2455629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/07/2025]
Abstract
Objectives: Despite research showing the impact of the threat of COVID-19 on mental health, scholars have failed to examine the relationship between perceived disaster threat and COVID-19 anxiety. Factors that buffer that positive relationship (e.g., optimism and emergency preparedness self-efficacy or EPSE) are also understudied. Thus, we examined the relationship between the perceived threat of disasters and COVID-19-related anxiety, as well as potential moderating factors of this relationship, including optimism and EPSE. Participants and methods: Participants were a representative sample of U.S. college students (N = 392) recruited through Prolific.co who completed measures in an online Qualtrics survey. Results: Both optimism and EPSE were significant moderators of the relationship between perceived threat and symptoms of anxiety related to COVID-19. When both moderators were included in a double moderation model analysis, only EPSE remained a significant moderator. Conclusions: These findings reflect the importance of cultivating protective psychological resources to protect college students' well-being during disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blakely Murphy
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Cynthia A Rohrbeck
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Philip W Wirtz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Decision Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Felicity Hoffert
- Department of Psychology, La Salle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicolas DeArcangelis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Layton SS, Polancich S, Schexnayder J, Noot RV, Bogie K, Patrician P. Cutaneous Manifestations of COVID-19: A Descriptive Analysis of a Southeastern USA Purposive Sample. Int Wound J 2025; 22:e70193. [PMID: 40159452 PMCID: PMC11955278 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.70193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2024] [Revised: 12/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025] Open
Abstract
This study describes characteristics and factors associated with cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 encountered across acute inpatient, and critical care units in a large Southeastern USA public hospital from March 1, 2020, through November 01, 2021. A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted on a purposive sample of patients consulted for non-pressure injury related cutaneous wounds while positive for COVID-19. Patients were predominantly male (64.3%, n = 27), White (66.7%, n = 28) and Black (33.3%). No cutaneous wounds while positive for COVID-19 were observed for Hispanic patients. Patient mortality was 71.4% (n = 30). Gender distribution was proportionate by gender (67% were male) and race (65.5% were White) for deceased patients. Body mass index (BMI) ranged from 15.8 to 61.2 with a mean of 31.9 (SD = 10.76) and median BMI 28.7. Identification of cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 and understanding of the retiform purpura pathophysiology could prove useful in guiding COVID-19 treatment regimens. Investigation into factors preventing complement cascading in those of Hispanic ethnicity may be useful in the prevention of CMC-19 and progression of severity of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon S. Layton
- School of NursingUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Shea Polancich
- School of NursingUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Julie Schexnayder
- School of NursingUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Ross Vander Noot
- School of MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Kath Bogie
- Department of OrthopaedicsCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
- Research Career Scientist, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical CenterClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Patricia Patrician
- School of NursingUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
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20
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Alibudbud R. The COVID-19 pandemic and the worldwide online interest in telepsychiatry: an infodemiological study from 2004 to 2022. Front Digit Health 2025; 7:1425684. [PMID: 40236606 PMCID: PMC11998030 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2025.1425684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 04/17/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies call for the further assessment and understanding of public interests and concerns about telepsychiatry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since telepsychiatry services are accessed through the Internet, this study analyzed online searches and queries to determine telepsychiatry-related interests and concerns over time. The findings can inform the development and customization of online telepsychiatry resources and services, enabling a more effective response to public needs. Materials and methods This study determined public concerns and interests in telepsychiatry using data from Google Trends and Wikipedia from 2004 to 2022. These platforms were selected for their large global market share. After describing the data, bootstrap for independent sample tests of search volumes and Wikipedia page views before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results The highest interest in telepsychiatry was observed in high-income countries. Search volumes for telepsychiatry increased, while Wikipedia page views decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The top and rising queries that can be incorporated into telepsychiatry websites include telepsychiatry concepts, jobs, services, costs, and locations. Discussion The findings support that the use of the Internet for telepsychiatry information increased compared to previous years, especially during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There may also be a higher interest in telepsychiatry among high-income nations compared to low and middle-income countries. Furthermore, the study also supports that digital information should be tailored to respond to public needs and expectations by incorporating telepsychiatry-related concepts, jobs, services, costs, and locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowalt Alibudbud
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila City, Philippines
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21
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Shamim L, Musharaf I, Nashwan AJ. Dexamethasone in coronavirus disease 2019 care: Dosage and utilization insights. World J Virol 2025; 14:98765. [PMID: 40134846 PMCID: PMC11612875 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v14.i1.98765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 11/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It was declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization. An excessive inflammatory response is a severe respiratory manifestation of COVID-19, which becomes predominant in later stages. Due to its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, dexamethasone is the first systemic glucocorticoid to treat severe COVID-19 patients. This editorial reviews the efficacy and safety of high-dose vs low-dose dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19. Findings indicate that using low-dose dexamethasone is beneficial and emphasize the need for additional research on the use of high-dose dexamethasone. While the study provides a robust evidence base, it is limited by the lack of long-term data, focus on specific outcomes and heterogeneity of the included studies. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of dexamethasone and its impact across varying disease severities and patient populations to refine treatment strategies and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiba Shamim
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi 75510, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Imshaal Musharaf
- Department of Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi 75510, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Abdulqadir J Nashwan
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
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22
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Murray A, Conroy I, Kirrane F, Cullen L, Worlikar H, O'Keeffe DT. User Experience of a Bespoke Videoconferencing System for Web-Based Family Visitation for Patients in an Intensive Care Unit: 1-Year Cross-Sectional Survey of Nursing Staff. JMIR Hum Factors 2025; 12:e54560. [PMID: 40116766 PMCID: PMC11951810 DOI: 10.2196/54560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2025] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person visitation within hospitals was restricted and sometimes eliminated to reduce the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Many health care professionals created novel strategies that were deployed to maintain a patient-centered approach. Although pandemic-related restrictions have eased, these systems, including videoconferencing or web-based bedside visits, remain relevant for visitors who cannot be present due to other reasons (lack of access to transport, socioeconomic restraints, geographical distance, etc). Objective The aims of this study were (1) to report the experience of intensive care nursing staff using a bespoke videoconferencing system called ICU FamilyLink; (2) to examine the scenarios in which the nursing staff used the system; and (3) to assess the future use of videoconferencing systems to enhance communication with families. Methods A modified Telehealth Usability questionnaire was administered to the nursing staff (N=22) of an intensive care unit in a model 4 tertiary hospital in Ireland 1 year after implementing the bespoke videoconferencing system. Results In total, 22 nurses working in the intensive care department at University Hospital Galway, Ireland, responded to the survey. A total of 23% (n=5) of participants were between the ages of 25 and 34 years, 54% (n=12) were between 35 and 44 years, and 23% (n=5) were between 45 and 54 years. Most (n=15, 68%) of the participants reported never using videoconferencing in the intensive care setting to communicate with family members before March 2020. The modified Telehealth Usability Questionnaire showed overall satisfaction scores for each subcategory of ease of use and learnability, interface quality, interaction quality, reliability, satisfaction and future use, and usefulness. In total, 21 (95%) participants agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "I would use the ICU FamilyLink system in future circumstances in which family members cannot be physically present (ie, pandemics, abroad, inability to travel, etc)," and 1 participant responded neutrally. One participant highlighted a common scenario in intensive care settings in which a videoconferencing system can be used "Even without COVID, web-based communication is important when patients become unexpectedly ill and when families are abroad." Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into health care professionals' experience using a videoconferencing system to facilitate web-based visits for families. We conclude that videoconferencing systems when appropriately tailored to the environment with the users in mind can be an acceptable solution to maintain communication with family members who cannot be physically present at the bedside. The bespoke videoconferencing system had an overall positive response from 22 nursing staff who interacted with the system at varying frequency levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Murray
- Health Innovation Via Engineering Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91TK33, Ireland, 353 091492147
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, University of GalwayGalway, Ireland
| | - Irial Conroy
- Health Innovation Via Engineering Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91TK33, Ireland, 353 091492147
| | - Frank Kirrane
- Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Leonie Cullen
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Hemendra Worlikar
- Health Innovation Via Engineering Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91TK33, Ireland, 353 091492147
| | - Derek T O'Keeffe
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, University of GalwayGalway, Ireland
- Lero Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Software Research, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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23
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Salazar AP, Lecours S, Engel L, Gignac MAM, Rotenberg S, Zarshenas S, McDonald M, Nalder E, Bottari C. Responding to the ongoing pandemic-related challenges of individuals with brain injury through the perspective of community-service in Canada: A qualitative study. Brain Inj 2025; 39:267-276. [PMID: 39550618 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2426683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 11/02/2024] [Indexed: 11/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate brain injury (BI) associations' perspectives regarding the impacts of the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with BI and BI associations services across Canada. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study included 26 representatives of Canadian BI associations that participated in six online focus groups to discuss the effects of the second year of the pandemic on clients living with BI and on the provision of community services. RESULTS Findings revealed three main themes: 1) ongoing pandemic-related challenges faced by clients living with BI, including worsening mental health and basic needs insecurities, difficulties faced by clients in adhering to safety measures, and ongoing technological issues; 2) ongoing adaptations to accommodate clients' needs, including offering tailored services, ensuring consistent and transparent safety measures, and providing hybrid services; and 3) developing a sustainable 'new normal' aligned with association mandates and resources by expanding networks and building resilience. CONCLUSION The unfolding of the pandemic has brought increased challenges for people with BI and reinforced the need for adapted, clear, and accessible public health information to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations in times of crisis. It is essential to bolster community-based associations that provide direct care to people with BI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Salazar
- School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophie Lecours
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lisa Engel
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monique A M Gignac
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shlomit Rotenberg
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sareh Zarshenas
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Emily Nalder
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carolina Bottari
- School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montréal (CRIR), Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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24
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Gomillia CE, Arnold T, Dobbs TE, Monger ML, Nunn A, Ward LM. Access and Utilization of HIV/STI Testing Services among Men Who have Sex with Men During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2025:10.1007/s40615-024-02103-z. [PMID: 40102349 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02103-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to bear the disproportionate burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the public's fear of the virus may have exacerbated this burden by hindering access to and utilization of HIV/STI testing services. METHODS We completed a systematic literature review to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MSM's access and utilization of HIV/STI testing services. Online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, LGBTQ + Source, CINAHL, and the WHO COVID database) and reference lists were searched until October 8, 2023 to identify literature meeting the following criteria: primary data collection; peer-reviewed publication in the English language; included MSM ≥ 18 years of age; examined access to and utilization of HIV and/or STI testing in the United States. RESULTS We identified 1,013 articles, of which 88 were eligible for full text review. Nineteen articles met full inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Twelve were cross-sectional studies, 4 were prospective cohort studies, and 3 were retrospective chart reviews. Sixteen of the 19 studies reported perceived interruptions or decreases in HIV/STI testing among MSM during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, two cross-sectional studies reported increases in STI prevalence during the pandemic and one cross-sectional study reported that access to HIV testing was unaffected. CONCLUSION This systematic review summarized the existing literature that suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic largely impacted access to and utilization of HIV/STI testing among MSM in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Gomillia
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, TR202, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Trisha Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Thomas E Dobbs
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, TR202, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Mauda L Monger
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, TR202, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Amy Nunn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lori M Ward
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, TR202, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
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25
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Estadilla CDS, Cicolani C, Blasco-Aguado R, Saldaña F, Borri A, Mar J, Van-Dierdonck JB, Ibarrondo O, Stollenwerk N, Aguiar M. The impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 transmission and its effect on life expectancy in two European regions. BMC Public Health 2025; 25:1004. [PMID: 40087626 PMCID: PMC11907853 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-22239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/17/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the rapid global transmission of COVID-19, governments worldwide enacted lockdowns and other non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) to control the disease. In this study, we aim to quantify the influence of NPIs on the transmission of COVID-19 within selected European regions, specifically Spain (including the Basque Country) and Italy (including Tuscany), during the period of February to December 2020, which predates the initiation of COVID-19 vaccinations. We investigate potential correlations and associations between the implementation of NPIs, changes in COVID-19 transmission rates, and alterations in life expectancy across different age and sex categories from the year 2019 to 2020. METHODS We use a Susceptible-Hospitalized-Asymptomatic/Mild-Recovered-Deceased (SHARD) ordinary differential equations model to analyze COVID-19 dynamics in the studied regions. The model calibration process was performed with empirical data on hospitalization and death to estimate the weekly transmission and death rates. To quantify reductions in life expectancy, we used established survival analysis techniques. RESULTS The SHARD model effectively captures multiple waves of COVID-19, accurately representing peaks and aligning with the instantaneous reproduction number. Our analysis reveals a 66-78% reduction in transmission rates during the initial set of NPIs in March 2020, followed by a 34-55% reduction during the subsequent NPIs in October 2020. Additionally, the elderly and individuals with comorbidities experienced the most pronounced reductions in life expectancy. CONCLUSIONS Our model calibration approach provides a valuable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions across multiple waves of an epidemic. By applying this method to COVID-19 dynamics, we have demonstrated the capacity to quantify the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on transmission rates. These findings offer practical insights into the effectiveness of NPIs in mitigating COVID-19 spread and contribute to the broader understanding of epidemic control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Delfin S Estadilla
- BCAM-Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Chiara Cicolani
- BCAM-Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
- Università degli studi dell'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Fernando Saldaña
- BCAM-Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Alessandro Borri
- Università degli studi dell'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- IASI-Institute for System Analysis and Computer Science, Rome, Italy
| | - Javier Mar
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Arrasate-Mondragón, Basque Country, Spain
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Donostia-San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain
| | | | - Oliver Ibarrondo
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Arrasate-Mondragón, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Nico Stollenwerk
- BCAM-Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Maíra Aguiar
- BCAM-Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain.
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain.
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26
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Sculco C, Bano B, Prina E, Tedeschi F, Bartucz MB, Barbui C, Purgato M, Albanese E. Access and use of general and mental health services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2025; 15:e091342. [PMID: 40074252 PMCID: PMC11904334 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify access to health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and measure the change in use between the prepandemic and the pandemic periods in a population with assessment of psychological distress or diagnosis of mental disorders. DATA SOURCES We developed and piloted a search syntax and adapted it to enter the following databases from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2023: PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Epistemonikos and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We reran the searches from the end of the original search to 3 December 2024. DESIGN We systematically screened titles, abstracts and full texts of retrieved records. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included observational studies on any populations and regions, covering health services such as doctor visits, hospital admissions, diagnostic examinations, pharmaceutical therapies and mental health (MH) services. Only studies using validated scales to assess psychological distress or mental disorders as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We extracted data using a purposefully designed form and evaluated the studies' quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We measured the incidence rate (IR) of access to health services and the IR ratio (IRR) between the prepandemic and the pandemic periods. We calculated contacts days and catchment areas in the different periods. We used the random effects DerSimonian-Laird inverse-variance model and calculated heterogeneity with statistics I² and τ². We computed pooled IR and pooled IRR and tested the hypothesis of no variation (IRR=1). RESULTS We retrieved 10 014 records and examined the full text of 580 articles. We included 136 primary studies of which 44 were meta-analysed. The IR of access to services during the pandemic was 2.59 contact months per 10 000 inhabitants (IR=2.592; 95% CI: 1.301 to 5.164). We observed a reduction of 28.5% in the use of services with negligible differences by age group and type of services (IRR=0.715; 95% CI: 0.651 to 0.785). We observed significant differences in effect sizes across studies (τ2=5.44; p<0.001 and τ2=0.090; p<0.001). CONCLUSION By considering MH, our study provides consolidated evidence and quantifies the reduction in the use of health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023403778.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Sculco
- Institute of Public Health, Universita della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Bano
- Institute of Public Health, Universita della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Tedeschi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Monica Bianca Bartucz
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marianna Purgato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Emiliano Albanese
- Institute of Public Health, Universita della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
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Yoo J, Seo JW, Ock M, Jun JY. Screening and monitoring patients at high risk for mental health issues in COVID-19: a multicenter pre-post assessment study. BMC Psychol 2025; 13:226. [PMID: 40069877 PMCID: PMC11895362 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-02514-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2025] [Indexed: 03/15/2025] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to present the methods for screening, monitoring, and intervening with patients at high risk for mental health issues with COVID-19 at residential treatment centers, which are isolation treatment facilities for COVID-19 patients. METHODS We evaluated the mental health status of COVID-19 patients in three residential treatment centers. At admission and one day before discharge, patients received via their mobile a questionnaire containing one question each on anxiety, subjective psychological distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression and suicidal ideation to identify those at high risk for mental health issues. High-risk patients and normal-risk participants who requested consultation were referred for psychological counseling. We evaluated the participants' clinical and mental health characteristics and performed a logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with worsened depression and suicide risk at discharge. RESULTS Of 5,163 qualifying patients, 1,941 patients (37.6%) had their mental health assessed both at admission and discharge. In total, 661 persons (34.1%) required mental health support at admission and 648 persons (33.4%) at discharge. The patients at high risk for mental health issues at admission had an odds ratio of 5.31 (95% CI: 4.23-6.66) for depression at discharge, compared to those with normal mental health status at admission. The group that requested professional psychological counseling at admission showed an odds ratio of 2.33 (95% CI: 1.31-4.13) for depression at discharge. CONCLUSIONS Repeated mental health monitoring is crucial for COVID-19 patients. Additionally, a flexible intervention strategy should be developed to implement different screening methods for patients at high risk for mental health issues, depending on the status of the COVID-19 epidemic and available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonga Yoo
- Ulsan Center for Infectious Disease Control & Prevention, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Wook Seo
- Public Health and Medical Services Team, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsu Ock
- Task Forces to Support Public Health and Medical Services in Ulsan Metropolitan City, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Daehagbyeongwon-ro 25, Dong-gu, Ulsan, 44033, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin Yong Jun
- Department of Psychiatry, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea.
- Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Daehagbyeongwon-ro 25, Dong-gu, Ulsan, 44033, Republic of Korea.
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Vadi S, Sanwalka N, Thaker P. Healthcare providers’ perspectives on factors influencing their critical care decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international pilot survey. World J Crit Care Med 2025; 14:97006. [DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v14.i1.97006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 10/24/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 12/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding a patient's clinical status and setting priorities for their care are two aspects of the constantly changing process of clinical decision-making. One analytical technique that can be helpful in uncertain situations is clinical judgment. Clinicians must deal with contradictory information, lack of time to make decisions, and long-term factors when emergencies occur.
AIM To examine the ethical issues healthcare professionals faced during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the factors affecting clinical decision-making.
METHODS This pilot study, which means it was a preliminary investigation to gather information and test the feasibility of a larger investigation was conducted over 6 months and we invited responses from clinicians worldwide who managed patients with COVID-19. The survey focused on topics related to their professional roles and personal relationships. We examined five core areas influencing critical care decision-making: Patients' personal factors, family-related factors, informed consent, communication and media, and hospital administrative policies on clinical decision-making. The collected data were analyzed using the χ2 test for categorical variables.
RESULTS A total of 102 clinicians from 23 specialties and 17 countries responded to the survey. Age was a significant factor in treatment planning (n = 88) and ventilator access (n = 78). Sex had no bearing on how decisions were made. Most doctors reported maintaining patient confidentiality regarding privacy and informed consent. Approximately 50% of clinicians reported a moderate influence of clinical work, with many citing it as one of the most important factors affecting their health and relationships. Clinicians from developing countries had a significantly higher score for considering a patient's financial status when creating a treatment plan than their counterparts from developed countries. Regarding personal experiences, some respondents noted that treatment plans and preferences changed from wave to wave, and that there was a rapid turnover of studies and evidence. Hospital and government policies also played a role in critical decision-making. Rather than assessing the appropriateness of treatment, some doctors observed that hospital policies regarding medications were driven by patient demand.
CONCLUSION Factors other than medical considerations frequently affect management choices. The disparity in treatment choices, became more apparent during the pandemic. We highlight the difficulties and contradictions between moral standards and the realities physicians encountered during this medical emergency. False information, large patient populations, and limited resources caused problems for clinicians. These factors impacted decision-making, which, in turn, affected patient care and healthcare staff well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Vadi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai 400053, Mahārāshtra, India
| | - Neha Sanwalka
- Department of Statistics, HCJMRI, Jehangir Hospital, Pune 411001, Mahārāshtra, India
| | - Pramod Thaker
- Medical Ethics Fellowship, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02138, United States
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Soleimani M, Jalilvand A. Spatial analysis of COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates in northwest iran for future epidemic preparedness. Sci Rep 2025; 15:7450. [PMID: 40032988 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-91246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/05/2025] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for effective public health strategies to combat infectious diseases. This study examines the epidemiological characteristics and spatial distribution of COVID-19 incidence and mortality in Zanjan Province, northwest Iran, to inform future epidemic preparedness. Using data from 39,739 hospitalized COVID-19 cases recorded between February 2020 and September 2021, sourced from the Medical Care Monitoring Center, we conducted descriptive and geospatial analyses. Demographic, clinical, and spatial variables were analyzed using logistic regression and advanced spatial techniques, including Kernel Density Estimation and Local Moran's I, to identify risk factors and disease hotspots. Results revealed that women accounted for 52% of cases, with higher incidence rates, while men exhibited higher mortality rates (7.86% vs. 7.80%). Urban areas, particularly the provincial capital, were identified as hotspots, with the highest patient density (20,384 cases per 10 km²). Comorbidities such as HIV/AIDS (OR: 4.85), chronic liver disease (OR: 3.6), chronic blood diseases (OR: 2.8), and cancer (OR: 2.5) significantly increased mortality risk, with ventilator use showing the highest odds ratio for death (OR = 91). Vaccination significantly reduced mortality, with fully vaccinated individuals experiencing a 6.3% mortality rate compared to 8.1% in unvaccinated individuals. Spatial analysis highlighted population density and mobility as key drivers of disease spread. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating spatial and epidemiological data to enhance pandemic preparedness. Targeted interventions in urban hotspots, early detection systems, and prioritizing vaccination for high-risk populations are critical for mitigating future outbreaks. This study provides a foundation for evidence-based public health strategies to strengthen global epidemic response and improve preparedness for future health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Soleimani
- Assistant Professor of Medical Informatics, Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Jalilvand
- Associate Professor of Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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Tack J, Bruyneel A, Taccone F, Thys F, Mélot C, Van Wilder P, Pirson M. Analysis of admissions to intensive care units that could be supported on an intermediate care unit. Nurs Crit Care 2025; 30:e13043. [PMID: 38351617 DOI: 10.1111/nicc.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only one third of European countries use intermediate care units (IMCs). An IMC makes it possible to manage patients who do not require intensive care but who need a higher level of nursing care that cannot be provided on the general ward. In Belgium, there are no national criteria for ICU admission or discharge, and no policies regarding IMC care or for differentiating ICU intensity levels. AIM The aim of our study was to analyse the profile of ICU patients in Belgium on the basis of registered nursing activity in order to quantify the number of ICU days potentially transferable to an IMC. STUDY DESIGN The study was conducted on 310 ICU beds. Patients admitted to the study were recruited during two different one-month periods in 2018 and were included into a prospective database that evaluated nursing workload carried out in 15 hospitals in the French-speaking part of Belgium. The number of ICU days that could be supported on an IMC was defined according to the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) items. RESULTS A total of 3279 ICU patients for a total of 13 942 ICU days were included. 4987 days (35.8%) were considered as "transferable" to an IMC. The proportion of ICU days transferable to an IMC was highly variable among hospitals, ranging from 20.4% to 59.5% of all ICU days. On the day of ICU admission, 665/2142 (31.0%) of the patients were already identified as transferable to an IMC; this percentage significantly increased on day 2 (972/2066, 47.1%) and day 3 (650/1390, 46.7%). CONCLUSIONS In Belgian ICUs, 35.8% of ICU hospital days, as per recorded NAS, do not necessitate intensive monitoring. These 35.8% of days of ICU hospitalization could be supported on an IMC. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE In this study, a significant number of days spent in the ICU could be supported on an IMC, this could alleviate the workload of nurses and reduce the occupancy rate of intensive care units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Tack
- Research Center in Health Economics, Management of Health Care Institutions and Nursing Sciences, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Clinical Research and Translational Unit, Grand Hôpital de Charleroi (GHdC), Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Bruyneel
- Research Center in Health Economics, Management of Health Care Institutions and Nursing Sciences, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fabio Taccone
- Soins intensifs - Hôpitaux Universitaire Bruxellois - Hôpital Erasme, Anderlecht, Belgium
| | - Fréderic Thys
- Clinical Research and Translational Unit, Grand Hôpital de Charleroi (GHdC), Charleroi, Belgium
- Continuing Education Unit UCLouvain Woluwe, Université Catholique de Louvain, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, France
- Department of Acute and Emergency Medicine, Grand Hôpital de Charleroi (GHdC), Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Christian Mélot
- Research Center in Health Economics, Management of Health Care Institutions and Nursing Sciences, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Phillipe Van Wilder
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Magali Pirson
- Research Center in Health Economics, Management of Health Care Institutions and Nursing Sciences, School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Aston ER, Benz MB, Souza R, Berey BL, Metrik J. Using prospective mixed methods to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on cannabis demand. J Exp Anal Behav 2025; 123:297-311. [PMID: 39996464 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.70001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025]
Abstract
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to understand how major global stressors influence substance use, including cannabis-related outcomes. The Marijuana Purchase Task assesses hypothetical cannabis demand (i.e., relative reinforcing value) and can detect contextual alterations. This study paired prospective cannabis demand assessment with qualitative inquiry to explore how COVID-19 impacted cannabis use behavior. Individuals previously enrolled in a laboratory cannabis administration study opted in to a remote follow-up survey (n = 41, 46% female). Participants were categorized as those who did or did not increase use based on self-reported changes in cannabis flower use and provided contextual explanations regarding pandemic-related influences on cannabis outcomes. General linear models with repeated measures examined mean differences in demand by occasion (i.e., before/during COVID-19), group (i.e., those who did/did not increase use), and their interaction. Those who increased use exhibited significantly higher demand during the pandemic; those who did not increase use exhibited similar demand across time revealing a Group × Time interaction. Thematic analysis contextualized quantitative findings, explaining external influences that affect use and demand (e.g., changes in cost, access, environment). COVID-19 differentially impacted cannabis use and demand, with prepandemic use affecting trajectories. Contextual influences (i.e., availability, free time, income) facilitate the escalation of use under conditions of extreme global stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Aston
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Madeline B Benz
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Benjamin L Berey
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jane Metrik
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
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Melo JRT, Chaves CVDA, Kawano C, Fernandes MAC, Hussin R, Oliveira JGD, Veiga JCE. Characteristics of traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents hospitalized in a Brazilian trauma reference center: a retrospective cross-sectional study. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2025; 83:1-8. [PMID: 40262808 DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1806743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/24/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 20% of victims of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Brazil are children and adolescents, with more than 900 deaths per year. OBJECTIVE To describe the characteristics and epidemiological profile of children and adolescents with TBI in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, according to age groups and metropolitan area of occurrence of the events leading to trauma. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study with a review of consecutive medical records of children and adolescents with TBI hospitalized and treated at a level-1 trauma center in São Paulo between 2019 and 2023. RESULTS In the period proposed for the study, 196 children and adolescents suffered TBIs. They had a median age of 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 10-1.75) years and were predominantly boys (71%), of white skin color/race (55%), and coming from the north zone of the metropolitan region of São Paulo (44%). Domestic accidents were the main causes of TBI (61%), followed by traffic accidents (24%). The mean length of hospital stay was of 13 (standard deviation [SD] ± 26) days, and the in-hospital mortality rate was of 3%. CONCLUSION We found a predominance of children and adolescents with TBI coming from the north zone of the metropolitan region of São Paulo, with a prevalence of falls from heights above the ground among children ≤ 9 years of age and trampling among children older than this age. Preventive actions must be established after reflections on socioeconomic issues and considering the metropolitan area where the accidents occur and the age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Roberto Tude Melo
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Neurocirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | | | - Cindy Kawano
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | | | - Reem Hussin
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Jean Gonçalves de Oliveira
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Neurocirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Esteves Veiga
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Cirurgia, Divisão de Neurocirurgia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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Mehedi ST, Abdulrazak LF, Ahmed K, Uddin MS, Bui FM, Chen L, Moni MA, Al-Zahrani FA. A privacy-preserving dependable deep federated learning model for identifying new infections from genome sequences. Sci Rep 2025; 15:7291. [PMID: 40025035 PMCID: PMC11873272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-89612-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 03/04/2025] Open
Abstract
The traditional molecular-based identification (TMID) technique of new infections from genome sequences (GSs) has made significant contributions so far. However, due to the sensitive nature of the medical data, the TMID technique of transferring the patient's data to the central machine or server may create severe privacy and security issues. In recent years, the progression of deep federated learning (DFL) and its remarkable success in many domains has guided as a potential solution in this field. Therefore, we proposed a dependable and privacy-preserving DFL-based identification model of new infections from GSs. The unique contributions include automatic effective feature selection, which is best suited for identifying new infections, designing a dependable and privacy-preserving DFL-based LeNet model, and evaluating real-world data. To this end, a comprehensive experimental performance evaluation has been conducted. Our proposed model has an overall accuracy of 99.12% after independently and identically distributing the dataset among six clients. Moreover, the proposed model has a precision of 98.23%, recall of 98.04%, f1-score of 96.24%, Cohen's kappa of 83.94%, and ROC AUC of 98.24% for the same configuration, which is a noticeable improvement when compared to the other benchmark models. The proposed dependable model, along with empirical results, is encouraging enough to recognize as an alternative for identifying new infections from other virus strains by ensuring proper privacy and security of patients' data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Tanzir Mehedi
- Department of Information and Communication Technology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Lway Faisal Abdulrazak
- Electrical Engineering Technical College, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq
- Department of Computer Science, Cihan University Sulaimaniya, Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region, 46001, Iraq
| | - Kawsar Ahmed
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada.
- Health Informatics Research Lab, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh.
- Group of Bio-Photomatiχ, Information and Communication Technology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh.
| | - Muhammad Shahin Uddin
- Department of Information and Communication Technology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Francis M Bui
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Mohammad Ali Moni
- AI and Digital Health Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Future Institute, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia
- AI and Digital Health Technology, Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
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Cao C, Xie H, Guo R, Dou C, Tang J. First insight into eosinophils as a biomarker for the early distinction of COVID-19 from influenza A in outpatients. Exp Ther Med 2025; 29:56. [PMID: 39885908 PMCID: PMC11775767 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2025.12806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2025] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza A outbreaks have spread rapidly in China. It is difficult to accurately differentiate these two different respiratory tract infections on the basis of their similar early-stage symptoms and lymphocytopenia. In the present study, the age, sex and white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and eosinophil counts, as well as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of 201 outpatients with confirmed COVID-19 and 246 outpatients with influenza A were investigated and compared. A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to determine the thresholds in distinguishing COVID-19 from influenza A Our study found that the monocyte count and NLR were significantly elevated, while the eosinophil count/percentage was higher in outpatients with COVID-19 than in those with influenza A (0.06±0.07 vs. 0.04±0.09, P=0.002; 0.95±1.12 vs. 0.56±0.95, P<0.001, respectively). Logit(P)=-1.11 + 1.29 x eosinophil percentage -12.07 x eosinophil count +1.10 x monocyte count, deduced from the eosinophil count/percentage and monocyte count, had the largest area under the curve at 0.67, with high specificity (80.1%) and a sensitivity of 47.3%. The present study demonstrated that a higher eosinophil count/percentage may be a potential biomarker to significantly differentiate early COVID-19 from influenza A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuangjie Cao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Ruohan Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Chengyun Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Jian Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
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Darwazah H, Hammond JB, Aita SL, Moncrief GG, Thompson RC, Lichtenstein JD, Roth RM. Coronavirus anxiety and its relationship to mood and cognition in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2025:1-9. [PMID: 39991928 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2025.2469247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2025]
Abstract
Background: Subjective and objective cognitive dysfunction may be observed in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), and are associated with depression and general anxiety. Coronavirus anxiety (CA) is associated with subjective cognition, depression, and general anxiety in community samples. We determined the base rate of CA in patients with PASC and its relation to mood, subjective and objective cognition. Design and Methods: Participants were 79 patients with PASC referred for clinical neuropsychological evaluation, who completed the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), BDI-II, BAI, BRIEF-A, and cognitive tests. Results: Base rate of clinically elevated CAS was low (5.1%), whereas BDI-II (78.6%), BAI (80%), and BRIEF-A Global Executive Composite (GEC; 60.3%) were high. Objective dysfunction was most common for Color-Word Interference (20.8%) and Trail Making Test (TMT) Part-B (23.1%). Greater CA was associated with worse depression, general anxiety, BRIEF-A GEC, and TMT Part-A. Higher GAI accounted for the CAS and BRIEF-A GEC association. Longer time since pandemic onset was only associated with decreasing CA. Exploratory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure for the CAS. Conclusions: Clinically elevated CA is rare in patients with PASC seen for neuropsychological evaluation. Higher CA is associated with worse mood and subjective executive dysfunction, though the latter was accounted for by general anxiety. Patients with PASC who endorse a high level of CA would likely benefit from interventions to reduce emotional distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Darwazah
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Jared B Hammond
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Stephen L Aita
- Department of Mental Health, VA Maine Healthcare System, Augusta, ME, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Grant G Moncrief
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Ryan C Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jonathan D Lichtenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Robert M Roth
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Health/Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
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Gao LP, Zheng CJ, Tian TT, Brima Tia A, Abdulai MK, Xiao K, Chen C, Liang DL, Shi Q, Liu ZG, Dong XP. Spatiotemporal prevalence of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 variants in Africa. Front Public Health 2025; 13:1526727. [PMID: 40051513 PMCID: PMC11882590 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1526727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2025] [Indexed: 03/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant public health and socioeconomic crises across Africa; however, the prevalent patterns of COVID-19 and the circulating characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in the continent remain insufficiently documented. Methods In this study, national data on case numbers, infection incidences, mortality rates, the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants, and key health indexes were collected from various official and professional sources between January 2020 and December 2023 were analyzed with SaTScan and geographically weighted regression (GWR). Results The prevalent profiles and circulating features of SARS-CoV-2 across the African continent, including its five regions and all African countries, were analyzed. Four major waves of the epidemic were observed. The first wave was closely associated with the introduction of the early SARS-CoV-2 strain while the subsequent waves were linked to the emergence of specific variants, including variants of concern (VOCs) Alpha, Beta, variants of interest (VOIs) Eta (second wave), VOC Delta (third wave), and VOC Omicron (fourth wave). SaTScan analysis identified four large spatiotemporal clusters that affected various countries. A significant number of countries (50 out of 56) reported their first cases during February 2020 and March 2020, predominantly involving individuals with confirmed cross-continental travel histories, mainly from Europe. In total, 12 distinct SARS-CoV-2 VOCs and VOIs were identified, with the most prevalent being VOCs Omicron, Delta, Beta, Alpha, and VOI Eta. Unlike the dominance of VOC Delta during the third wave and Omicron during the fourth wave, VOC Alpha was relatively rare in the Southern regions but more common in the other four regions. At the same time, Beta predominated in the Southern region and Eta in the Western region during the second wave. Additionally, relatively higher COVID-19 case incidences and mortalities were reported in the Southern and Northern African regions. Spearman rank correlation and geographically weighted regression (GWR) analyses of COVID-19 incidences against health indexes in 52 African countries indicate that countries with higher national health expenditures and better personnel indexes tended to report higher case incidences. Discussion This study offers a detailed overview of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. Strengthening the capacity of health institutions across African countries is essential for the timely detection of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and, consequently, for preparedness against future COVID-19 pandemics and other potentially infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Can-Jun Zheng
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ting-Ting Tian
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Alie Brima Tia
- Sierra Leone-China Friendship Biological Safety Laboratory, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Michael K. Abdulai
- Sierra Leone-China Friendship Biological Safety Laboratory, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Kang Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Cao Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Lin Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Shi
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Guo Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosafety, Shanghai, China
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Moser LJ, Lisi C, Gutberlet M, Boccalini S, Budde RPJ, Francone M, Hrabak Paar M, Loewe C, Muscogiuri G, Natale L, Nikolaou K, Pirnat M, Salgado R, Vliegenthart R, Williams MC, Eberhard M, Alkadhi H. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging practices: insights from the MRCT registry. Eur Radiol 2025:10.1007/s00330-025-11464-w. [PMID: 39969555 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-025-11464-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2024] [Revised: 01/14/2025] [Accepted: 02/05/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the spectrum of indications for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a focus on myocarditis. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of data from the MRCT registry of the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR). Data regarding indications and diagnoses of myocarditis between January 1, 2018, and April 30, 2024, were extracted. Data was analyzed for the periods before and after the beginning (i.e., March 11, 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Data from 112,361 cardiac MRI examinations was analyzed (63.5% male, median age 58 [IQR 44-69]). Over the entire period, assessment of myocarditis was the most common indication for cardiac MRI (31%, n = 34,906/112,361). Before the pandemic, this indication comprised 28% of examinations and increased to a maximum of 41% in 2022 after the onset of the pandemic. Simultaneously, the positivity rate of these examinations decreased from 21% before the pandemic to 14% in 2022. Male patients had a higher positivity rate than female patients both before and during the pandemic, with mirroring trends between sexes. The proportion of cardiac MRI examinations performed for suspected and known coronary artery disease showed an inverse relationship with those performed for myocarditis and decreased from 24% and 17% pre-pandemic to a minimum of 21% and 13% during the pandemic. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic considerably influenced the pattern of referrals for cardiac MRI examinations in Europe, leading to a higher proportion of examinations for suspected myocarditis but a reduced positivity rate, suggesting a lower referral threshold for this indication. At the same time, proportionally fewer examinations were performed for suspected and known coronary artery disease. KEY POINTS Question The COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced the spectrum and positivity rates of indications for cardiac MRI, especially examinations for myocarditis. Findings The COVID-19 pandemic led to a higher proportion of cardiac MRI examinations for suspected myocarditis but a reduced positivity rate. Clinical relevance The spectrum and proportions of indications for cardiac MRI give important information on the historical and current trends in cardiac imaging and provide insight into resource deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas J Moser
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Costanza Lisi
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Matthias Gutberlet
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Leipzig-Heart Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Boccalini
- Department of Cardiovascular Radiology, Hôpital Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ricardo P J Budde
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Maja Hrabak Paar
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Christian Loewe
- Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Muscogiuri
- Department of Radiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, University Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Natale
- Department of Radiological Sciences-Institute of Radiology, Catholic University of Rome, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maja Pirnat
- Radiology Department, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Rodrigo Salgado
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, Holy Heart Hospital, Lier, Belgium
| | - Rozemarijn Vliegenthart
- Department of Radiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle C Williams
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthias Eberhard
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hatem Alkadhi
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Lal ZZ, Gogoi M, Qureshi I, Al-Oraibi A, Chaloner J, Papineni P, Lagrata S, Nellums LB, Martin CA, Woolf K, Pareek M. Redeployment and changes in working patterns of healthcare workers during COVID-19 in the UK: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2025; 25:267. [PMID: 39966930 PMCID: PMC11834651 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-025-12389-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Redeployment was critical in addressing the increased demands of COVID-19 on the healthcare system. Previous research indicates that ethnic minority healthcare workers (HCWs), those on visas, and in junior roles, were more likely to be redeployed to COVID-19 duties compared to White UK-born HCWs. There is limited evidence on how redeployment was practically organized, preparedness of HCWs and the NHS for rapid changes, and the decision-making processes involved. This paper discusses HCWs' redeployment experiences, their alignment with NHS policy for deploying staff safely, and potential links to staff attrition. METHODS As part of the United Kingdom Research study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 outcomes among Healthcare workers, we conducted a qualitative sub-study, between December 2020 and July 2021, consisting of interviews and focus groups with 164 HCWs from different ethnicities, genders, job roles, migration statuses, and UK regions. Sessions were conducted online or by telephone, recorded, transcribed and analysed with participants' consent. We utilised the breadth-and-depth approach, initially identifying transcripts mentioning redeployment or changes in work patterns, followed by an in-depth thematic analysis. RESULTS Of the 164 HCWs, 22 (13.4%) reported redeployment to a new role, while 42 (26.8%) reported changes in their working patterns. Redeployment experiences varied based on HCWs' workplaces, skillsets, input into decisions, and perceived risks. Four themes were identified: 1. redeployment and the changing nature of work, 2. pandemic (un)preparedness, 3. redeployment decision-making, and 4. risk assessments in the context of redeployment. Our data revealed the practical realities of redeployment, including discrepancies between the NHS policy and actual practices, particularly early deployment without adequate training and supervision. The lack of planning and preparedness had an operational and emotional impact on HCWs, affecting their morale. Lastly, some HCWs felt disempowered and undervalued due to a lack of agency in redeployment decisions. CONCLUSION This study highlights HCWs' redeployment experiences during COVID-19, the conditions under which it occurred, and its impacts. The findings, although rooted in the pandemic, remain relevant for addressing staffing challenges in the healthcare workforce. We recommend future redeployment strategies prioritise HCWs' training and supervision, ensure strategic planning with clear communication and support for all staff, foster a sense of value among HCWs, and integrate an intersectional equity lens into workforce planning to improve staff retention and morale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Zuzer Lal
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Mayuri Gogoi
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Irtiza Qureshi
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- The Nottingham Centre for Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Amani Al-Oraibi
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jonathan Chaloner
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Padmasayee Papineni
- Ealing Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Southall, UK
| | - Susie Lagrata
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Laura B Nellums
- Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- College of Population Health, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Christopher A Martin
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leicester, UK
| | | | - Manish Pareek
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK.
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leicester, UK.
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Applied Health Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands, Leicester, UK.
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Cárdenas-Marín PA, Cordoba-Melo BD, Carrillo-Gómez DC, León-Giraldo H, Mendoza I, Flórez N, Larrea Gómez RE, Mercedes JM, Herrera CJ, Lugo-Peña J, Cárdenas-Aldaz LP, Rossel V, Ramírez Ramírez R, Fernández HF, Retana AU, Sierra-Lara Martinez JD, Figueiredo EL, Yabar Galindo WG, Quintana Da Silva MA, Romero A, Silva P, Alvarado A, Valencia A, Gomez-Mesa JE. Impact of myocardial injury on cardiovascular complications in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: insights from Latin America. Front Cardiovasc Med 2025; 12:1545142. [PMID: 40034989 PMCID: PMC11872895 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2025.1545142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2025] [Indexed: 03/05/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction Viral infection by SARS-CoV2 is a pandemic affecting over 600 million people worldwide. One of five hospitalized patients may present myocardial injury, strongly associated with disease severity and mortality. Methodology Retrospective cross-sectional study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients diagnosed between May 01, 2020, and June 30, 2021, from the database of the Registro Latinoamericano de Enfermedad Cardiovascular y COVID-19 (CARDIO COVID 19-20) with a troponin value recorded during hospitalization. A descriptive analysis of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was performed. Bivariate analysis was conducted according to the presence or absence of myocardial injury. Survival analysis was made using Kaplan-Meier curves, by the presence of myocardial injury. A multivariate Poisson regression model was performed to determine factors associated with mortality. Statistical analyses were performed using the RStudio V.1.4.1717 package. Results A total of 2,134 patients were included, 64.2% were male, and 911 patients had myocardial injury. The median age of the total population was 61 years. Individuals with myocardial injury had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Survival probability was lower in this subgroup. Patients with myocardial injury had a 1.95 times higher risk of death. Age, male sex, chronic kidney disease, arrhythmias, decompensated heart failure, requirement of inotropic/vasopressor, and invasive mechanical ventilation were related to higher mortality risk in patients with myocardial injury. Conclusion Patients with COVID-19 and myocardial injury exhibit a broad spectrum of cardiac abnormalities. Myocardial injury is associated with a higher disease severity and risk of in-hospital mortality. This multicenter study uniquely represents data from 13 Latin American countries, offering regional insights into the impact of myocardial injury during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Andrea Cárdenas-Marín
- Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
- Servicio de Cardiología, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Brayan Daniel Cordoba-Melo
- Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
- Servicio de Cardiología, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Hoover León-Giraldo
- Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Iván Mendoza
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Noel Flórez
- Servicio de Cardiología, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
| | | | | | - Cesar J. Herrera
- Departamento de Cardiología, Centro de Diagnóstico y Medicina Avanzada y de Conferencias Médicas y Telemedicina (CEDIMAT), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Julián Lugo-Peña
- Departamento de Cardiología, Clínica del Occidente, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Victor Rossel
- Sección de Cardiología, Hospital del Salvador, Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | - J. Daniel Sierra-Lara Martinez
- Unidad de Cuidados Críticos Cardiovasculares, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chávez”, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Alexander Romero
- Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Santo Tomas, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama
| | - Paula Silva
- Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Armando Alvarado
- Servicio de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital Especializado de Villa Nueva, Villa Nueva, Guatemala
| | - Andrea Valencia
- Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
| | - Juan Esteban Gomez-Mesa
- Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
- Servicio de Cardiología, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
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Behnke G, Mata D, Meneses V, Strickland EC, Gray TR. Trends in central/peripheral ratio of fentanyl in Harris County, TX, and Orange County, CA, from 2009 to 2020. J Anal Toxicol 2025; 49:115-121. [PMID: 39605304 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkae093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 11/27/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the opioid epidemic was declared in 2017, postmortem fentanyl cases and the need for interpretation of their results have increased. Postmortem redistribution (PMR) is one of the factors to consider when interpreting cases. There have been several previous studies regarding fentanyl PMR; however, these studies either have small sample sizes or were conducted prior to the declaration of the opioid epidemic, which may cause conflicting results and not be reflective of current trends. This study includes fentanyl central/peripheral (C/P) blood ratios from 748 cases from both Harris County, TX, and Orange County, TX, spanning from January 2009 to June 2022. Because the data set was determined to be non-normally distributed, a Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical comparisons. There were statistically significant differences between epidemic cases from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences and the Orange County Crime Laboratory, C/P ratios from pre-epidemic to epidemic years, and in cases where medically related administration of fentanyl was documented when compared to cases where there was no documentation of licit fentanyl use. Various factors that could impact PMR were evaluated (age, gender, polydrug use, etc.), and no clear trend or observation was made from the data. Based on the results of this study, there is still no clear indication as to what caused the increase in C/P ratios, but it may be related to an increase in illicit fentanyl use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grayce Behnke
- Forensic Toxicology, Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77954, United States
| | - Dani Mata
- Toxicology, Orange County Crime Lab, 320 N Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703, United States
| | - Vanessa Meneses
- Toxicology, Orange County Crime Lab, 320 N Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703, United States
| | - Erin C Strickland
- Forensic Toxicology, Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77954, United States
| | - Teresa R Gray
- Toxicology, Orange County Crime Lab, 320 N Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703, United States
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Naiditch H, Betts MR, Larman HB, Levi M, Rosenberg AZ. Immunologic and inflammatory consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its implications in renal disease. Front Immunol 2025; 15:1376654. [PMID: 40012912 PMCID: PMC11861071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1376654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2025] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic made it critical to understand the immune and inflammatory responses to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It became increasingly recognized that the immune response was a key mediator of illness severity and that its mechanisms needed to be better understood. Early infection of both tissue and immune cells, such as macrophages, leading to pyroptosis-mediated inflammasome production in an organ system critical for systemic oxygenation likely plays a central role in the morbidity wrought by SARS-CoV-2. Delayed transcription of Type I and Type III interferons by SARS-CoV-2 may lead to early disinhibition of viral replication. Cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), some of which may be produced through mechanisms involving nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), likely contribute to the hyperinflammatory state in patients with severe COVID-19. Lymphopenia, more apparent among natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T-cells, and B-cells, can contribute to disease severity and may reflect direct cytopathic effects of SARS-CoV-2 or end-organ sequestration. Direct infection and immune activation of endothelial cells by SARS-CoV-2 may be a critical mechanism through which end-organ systems are impacted. In this context, endovascular neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and microthrombi development can be seen in the lungs and other critical organs throughout the body, such as the heart, gut, and brain. The kidney may be among the most impacted extrapulmonary organ by SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to a high concentration of ACE2 and exposure to systemic SARS-CoV-2. In the kidney, acute tubular injury, early myofibroblast activation, and collapsing glomerulopathy in select populations likely account for COVID-19-related AKI and CKD development. The development of COVID-19-associated nephropathy (COVAN), in particular, may be mediated through IL-6 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling, suggesting a direct connection between the COVID-19-related immune response and the development of chronic disease. Chronic manifestations of COVID-19 also include systemic conditions like Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Adults (MIS-A) and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), which may reflect a spectrum of clinical presentations of persistent immune dysregulation. The lessons learned and those undergoing continued study likely have broad implications for understanding viral infections' immunologic and inflammatory consequences beyond coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiam Naiditch
- Department of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael R. Betts
- Department of Microbiology and Institute of Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - H. Benjamin Larman
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Moshe Levi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Avi Z. Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Saputra A, Wichaidit W, Kesuma ZM, Chongsuvivatwong V. Spatio-temporal distribution of COVID-19 cases and tuberculosis in four provinces of Sumatra Islands, Indonesia. BMC Public Health 2025; 25:529. [PMID: 39930380 PMCID: PMC11809051 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-21754-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted national tuberculosis programs in high-burden countries. We hypothesize that COVID-19 occurrence had a delayed effect on tuberculosis case reports from the Indonesia Ministry of Health, also known as the tuberculosis case notification. The objectives of this study are: (1) to describe the potential effect of the reported COVID-19 cases on the spatial distribution of tuberculosis in four provinces of Sumatra Islands (Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Riau Provinces), Indonesia; (2) to estimate the temporal lag effect of the occurrence of COVID-19 on tuberculosis case notifications. METHODS We retrieved data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Indonesia COVID-19 Task Force. We also examined the monthly tuberculosis and COVID-19 case notifications. We identified time series clusters of tuberculosis case notifications and used lag non-linear model to assess the delayed effect of the occurrence of COVID-19 cases on tuberculosis case notifications. RESULTS The secondary data included 217,593 tuberculosis case notifications (January 2019 to December 2022) and 373,671 reported COVID-19 cases (January 2020 to December 2022). Time series cluster analysis revealed 5 clusters each for monthly tuberculosis case notifications and monthly reported COVID-19 cases. There was a negative association with a 0-month lag in more than 10,000 reported COVID-19 cases (RR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.91-0.98). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggested that Indonesia's national tuberculosis program in four provinces of Sumatra Island was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lag analysis showed that COVID-19 case occurrence had an immediate effect on tuberculosis case notifications. CLINICAL TRIAL Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Saputra
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Thailand
| | - Wit Wichaidit
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Thailand
| | - Zurnila Marli Kesuma
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 24415, Indonesia
| | - Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Thailand.
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Ezenwaka U, Mbachu C, Onwujekwe O. A scoping review of the roles of stakeholders and coordination mechanisms for enhanced multi-sectoral and multi-level interventions in COVID-19 response in Nigeria. Health Res Policy Syst 2025; 23:18. [PMID: 39930477 PMCID: PMC11808979 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01276-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/14/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collaboration among multiple stakeholders from different sectors requires a coherent coordination mechanism in implementing responses to public health emergencies such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of countermeasures against the pandemic. The paper describes multi-stakeholder roles and the coordination mechanisms that were used at different levels of government in the COVID-19 response in Nigeria. METHODS A scoping review of documents on COVID-19 was undertaken between March 2021 and October 2022. Databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline and Google were searched using "COVID-19", "Nigeria", "response" and "government" as the keywords. We included articles published from 30 January 2020 to 1 October 2022. The literature was extracted into Excel spreadsheets and analysed using the adapted WHO framework for multi-stakeholder preparedness coordination. RESULTS A total of 173 documents were reviewed. The review revealed that various stakeholders (state and non-state actors) at national and sub-national levels played complementary roles in the implementation of different countermeasures to COVID-19 in Nigeria. The multi-sectoral response to COVID-19 in Nigeria was coordinated through the Presidential and State Task Force Teams. However, there were very weak linkages between and across different task forces. In addition, the expert and advisory committees at national and sub-national levels apparently functioned independently without lines of communication amongst them to encourage information sharing and learning. More so, the processes of coordination of different actors and their activities were fragmented and constrained by poor communication of policies among stakeholders, poor planning and contextualization of response strategies, lack of data for evidence-informed planning and lack of accountability. CONCLUSIONS The coordination of multi-stakeholders and multi-sectoral response to COVID-19 at national and sub-national levels in Nigeria was weak. A systematic coordination framework involving multiple stakeholders working at varying capacities is needed for effective and efficient response during pandemics such as COVID-19, to reduce duplication of efforts, inequitable resource allocation and wastage of resources and time. It is recommended that a future systematic coordination framework and guidelines involve multiple stakeholders, including the private and non-health public sectors, working at varying capacities and levels, to ensure an effective and efficient response during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchenna Ezenwaka
- Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
- Department of Health Administration and Management, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
| | - Chinyere Mbachu
- Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Health Policy Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Health Administration and Management, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu-Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
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Tabrizi JS, Letaief M, Mashhadi Abdolahi H, Rezapour R, Alboksmaty A, Farahbakhsh M. Safety of health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: piloting WHO framework in Iran. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2025; 44:29. [PMID: 39920792 PMCID: PMC11806829 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-025-00749-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/09/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health Workers Safety (HWS) is a global health priority and essential at all times, in stable situations, in emergencies, in disease epidemics or pandemics. This study aimed to assess HWS during the COVID-19 Pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 in east Azerbaijan province, Iran. HWS was assessed based on 22 indicators suggested by WHO EMRO. We selected 15 PHC facilities and six wards from two hospitals randomly. Data collected (qualitative and quantitative) using national digital health records, staff records, and indicator-specific tools. In addition to measuring the indicator's value, the indicators' feasibility was also assessed. Descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS-16 were used for data analysis. RESULTS Totally, 325 Health Workers (HWs) (218 from PHC facilities and 107 from hospitals) participated in the study. Most of the participants in PHC facilities and hospitals were Community Health Workers (CHWs) (Moragheb Salamat) (45.4%) and nurses (37.38%), respectively. Most of HWs had completed the full vaccination schedule for Hepatitis B and COVID-19. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) safety protocols were adhered by most of HWs within a healthcare facility. None of managers had attended nationally certified training for mental health support for health and care workers. Less than 20% of HWs participated in the work burnout prevention courses and most of HWs complained about work overload, or burnout. The job satisfaction level of hospital HWs (60.20%) was significantly higher than that of HWs from PHC facilities (57.18%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Even though the mental health of HWs was not as expected, the indicators related to physical health and occupational health were at a suitable level. Also, there is not a system in PHC to audit the application of safety measures to mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19. We recommend creating a specific system (precise and detailed) for HWs' safety and applying safety measures in the PHC routine programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafar Sadegh Tabrizi
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mondher Letaief
- Department of Universal Health Coverage and Health Systems, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hossein Mashhadi Abdolahi
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Ramin Rezapour
- Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmed Alboksmaty
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
| | - Mostafa Farahbakhsh
- Research center of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Nash C. An Initial Scoping Review of Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome (DYMERS) Regarding Burnout in Healthcare Professionals During COVID-19. J Clin Med 2025; 14:1035. [PMID: 39941704 PMCID: PMC11818672 DOI: 10.3390/jcm14031035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2025] [Revised: 02/04/2025] [Accepted: 02/05/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome (DYMERS) characterizes the poor regulation of biological (sleep/waking), social, and behavioral rhythms that affected the level of burnout in healthcare professionals during the pandemic in particular. The aim is to provide an initial scoping review of publications on this topic. Methods: The keywords "Stress Rhythms Dysregulation Bipolar Disorder Burnout DYMERS Healthcare professionals COVID-19" were searched on 9 December 2024 following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using five primary databases (OVID, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science), one register (Cochrane COVID-19 register), and one supplementary database (Google Scholar). Included were peer-reviewed publications. Excluded were duplicates, reports lacking either a research study or any keywords, or including irrelevant information regarding them. Results: The returns for all the databases were (n = 0) except for ProQuest (n = 4) and Google Scholar (n = 14). Of these, three ProQuest returns were duplicates of the Google Scholar search. The remaining report contained irrelevant information on healthcare professionals. The Google Scholar search results produced two relevant reports-neither duplicated with ProQuest. The excluded contained a duplicate in the search itself, three that did not mention healthcare professionals, two that contained irrelevant information concerning them, four returns that were not a research study, and three that were not peer-reviewed. Conclusions: The two studies published on this topic are by various members of the same investigating institution. DYMERS has provided valuable insights regarding burnout in healthcare professionals. The suggestion is for further DYMERS research by this team and others, anticipating future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Nash
- History of Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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Barozi V, Tastan Bishop Ö. Impact of African-Specific ACE2 Polymorphisms on Omicron BA.4/5 RBD Binding and Allosteric Communication Within the ACE2-RBD Protein Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:1367. [PMID: 39941135 PMCID: PMC11818624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26031367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2025] [Accepted: 02/01/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory symptom coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection occurs via the attachment of the spike (S) protein's receptor binding domain (RBD) to human ACE2 (hACE2). Natural polymorphisms in hACE2, particularly at the interface, may alter RBD-hACE2 interactions, potentially affecting viral infectivity across populations. This study identified the effects of six naturally occurring hACE2 polymorphisms with high allele frequency in the African population (S19P, K26R, M82I, K341R, N546D and D597Q) on the interaction with the S protein RBD of the BA.4/5 Omicron sub-lineage through post-molecular dynamics (MD), inter-protein interaction and dynamic residue network (DRN) analyses. Inter-protein interaction analysis suggested that the K26R variation, with the highest interactions, aligns with reports of enhanced RBD binding and increased SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. Conversely, S19P, showing the fewest interactions and largest inter-protein distances, agrees with studies indicating it hinders RBD binding. The hACE2 M82I substitution destabilized RBD-hACE2 interactions, reducing contact frequency from 92 (WT) to 27. The K341R hACE2 variant, located distally, had allosteric effects that increased RBD-hACE2 contacts compared to WThACE2. This polymorphism has been linked to enhanced affinity for Alpha, Beta and Delta lineages. DRN analyses revealed that hACE2 polymorphisms may alter the interaction networks, especially in key residues involved in enzyme activity and RBD binding. Notably, S19P may weaken hACE2-RBD interactions, while M82I showed reduced centrality of zinc and chloride-coordinating residues, hinting at impaired communication pathways. Overall, our findings show that hACE2 polymorphisms affect S BA.4/5 RBD stability and modulate spike RBD-hACE2 interactions, potentially influencing SARS-CoV-2 infectivity-key insights for vaccine and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Barozi
- Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa;
| | - Özlem Tastan Bishop
- Research Unit in Bioinformatics (RUBi), Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6139, South Africa;
- National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS), Matieland 7602, South Africa
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Shehab S, Anouti L, Boutros CF, Radi C, Baasiri SE, Badih A, Korman R, Masri ME, Alwan J, Monzer M, Bitar Y, Kassem M, Naser M, Salameh Y, Khafaja S, Ghosn MB, Al Hamod D, Ghadban S, Ghanem S, Dbaibo GS. End of Pandemic Parental Hesitancy Towards Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination: A Cross-sectional Survey at Two Lebanese Tertiary Hospitals. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2025; 15:15. [PMID: 39910010 PMCID: PMC11799484 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-025-00364-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This observational prospective cross-sectional study was conducted during the last 4 months of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine whether parental hesitancy to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 had improved compared to earlier studies in other countries showing high levels of hesitancy. METHODS Parents were surveyed from January 4 until May 16, 2023, at two tertiary medical centers in Beirut, the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) and the Saint George Hospital University Medical Center (SGHUMC). RESULTS The study enrolled 950 participants, predominantly mothers (79.6%) aged 30-49 (79%), highly educated parents (69.8% of mothers and 62.2% of fathers were university graduates). Although routine childhood vaccinations received remarkable acceptance (98.3%), there was considerable hesitancy towards pediatric COVID-19 (56.4%). Only 9.4% had vaccinated all eligible children. The main parental concern was the vaccine's safety and perceived lack of testing (p < 0.001). Other factors were parental gender, vaccination status, and children's age. In the adjusted model, mothers had a higher rate of vaccine acceptance (AOR: 1.746 [1.059-2.878], p = 0.029). Similarly, parents vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccine (AOR: 2.703, p < 0.001) and parents of children aged 12-17 (AOR: 4.450, p < 0.001) had more vaccine acceptance. CONCLUSION This study's findings indicate a persistently high level of hesitancy for pediatric COVID-19 vaccination despite more than two years of positive global experience with the vaccine. Raising awareness about the safety and effectiveness of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination would address this hesitancy and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on children's health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Shehab
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lina Anouti
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Celina F Boutros
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Christelle Radi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Silma El Baasiri
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Arabia Badih
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rawan Korman
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwa El Masri
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joudie Alwan
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maha Monzer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yara Bitar
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mona Kassem
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mayse Naser
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yara Salameh
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Khafaja
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Beirut, 1107, Lebanon
| | - Murielle Bou Ghosn
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Dekwaneh, Metn, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon
| | - Dany Al Hamod
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Ghadban
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Soha Ghanem
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghassan S Dbaibo
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Beirut, 1107, Lebanon.
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48
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Liu F, Ge A, Wang X, Wu F, Xu J, Ma B. A Contracted Channel Droplet Reinjection Chip-Based Simple Integrated ddpcr System for SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 Detection. Anal Chem 2025; 97:2195-2203. [PMID: 39846371 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c05201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2025]
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics is a powerful method for digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) applications. However, precise droplet control, bulky peripherals, and multistep operation usually required in droplet detection process hinder the broad application of ddPCR. Here, a contracted channel droplet reinjection chip is presented, where droplets can be self-separated and detected one by one at intervals. Based on that, a Simple Integrated ddPCR (SI-ddPCR) system is established, including surface-wetting-based droplet generation, tube heating, and droplet signal detection. To assess the system's performance, we quantified SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 simultaneously using duplex-ddPCR. The results exhibited a good linearity (R2 = 0.999) at concentrations ranging from 101 to 104 copies/μL. By employing the SI-ddPCR system, we detected SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 in clinical samples isolated from 20 swab specimens with an accuracy of 97.5%. Thus, the developed SI-ddPCR system offers simple droplet detection, eliminates complicated peripherals and multistep operations, and promises to be a portable, low-cost, and easy-to-deploy toolbox for high-accuracy ddPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Anle Ge
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xixian Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fei Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
| | - Jian Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bo Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory of Biofuels, Shandong Key Laboratory of Energy Genetics, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong 266101, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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49
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Chen H, Li Y, Yuan L, Liu F, Sun Q, Luo Q, Lei Y, Hou Y, Li J, Cai L, Tang S. Age-related immune response disparities between adults and children with severe COVID-19: a case-control study in China. Front Microbiol 2025; 16:1525051. [PMID: 39967737 PMCID: PMC11832681 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1525051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Elucidation of immune response differences is critical for uncovering underlying mechanisms and developing potential intervention measures among adults and children with COVID-19. Methods In this retrospective study, we analyzed serum biochemical markers and cytokine profiles among adults and children with COVID-19 in the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou in Hunan, China from 1 December 2022 to 13 February 2023. A case-control study was conducted using propensity score matching (PSM) to mitigate possible confounding factors. Results The significant differences observed included lymphocyte exhaustion, an increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NEU/LYM) ratio, high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and a cytokine storm, characterized by high levels of Th1 proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, interferon type I (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in the lung among severe adult COVID-19 patients. Additionally, systemic immune responses were observed in children with COVID-19. Conclusion Significant differences in immune responses between adults and children with COVID-19 highlight the different mechanisms and potential intervention measures of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Wenzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingkai Luo
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, China
| | - Yefei Lei
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, China
| | - Yinglan Hou
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, China
| | - Jiayan Li
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, China
| | - Liang Cai
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hunan, China
| | - Shixing Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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50
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Non AL, Clausing ES, Lara-Cinisomo S, D'Anna Hernandez KL. COVID-19-Related Risk, Resilience, and Mental Health Among Mexican American Mothers Across the First Year of the Pandemic. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2025; 12:49-58. [PMID: 37940768 PMCID: PMC11753345 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01849-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latina mothers have been especially affected by the pandemic and historically exhibit high rates of depression and anxiety. However, few longitudinal studies have assessed the effect of the pandemic on this vulnerable population. We hypothesized that COVID-19-related stressors would associate with psychological distress among Latina mothers across the first year of the pandemic. METHODS We investigated COVID-19-related impact, stigma, and fears across two critical time points and changes in these measures in relation to changes in maternal anxiety and depression among mothers of Mexican descent living in Southern California (n=152). Surveys were administered within 5-16 weeks of the March 19, 2020 stay-at-home COVID-19 order in California and again between June to December 2021. RESULTS High proportions of women reported moderate to severe impacts of COVID-19 early in the pandemic, which reduced modestly a year later, e.g., reduced family incomes (55.9% 2020 Lockdown vs 32.7% 1-year follow-up). Anticipatory stigma was high across the first year, e.g., worrying at least some of the time that a family member will be deported (33.1% 2020 Lockdown vs. 14.1% 1-year follow-up), or they would not be able to care for their children (88.5% 2020 lockdown vs 82.2% 1-year follow-up). COVID-19 stigma, impact, and fears were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms at both time points (p<0.003), and changes in COVID-19 impact were associated with changes in depression (p=0.0004). CONCLUSION Findings emphasize the adverse socioeconomic and psychological effects of the pandemic for Latina mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Non
- Department of Anthropology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth S Clausing
- Department of Anthropology, School of Global Integrative Studies, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
- Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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