Articles tagged with Covid 19
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that American diets improved in quality and diversity after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Diets became up to 8.5% healthier and 2.6% more diverse as people shifted from eating out to cooking at home.
A recent study found that the Omicron variant is associated with a lower risk of post-COVID-19 condition, as well as reduced risk after fourth vaccinations. Additionally, individuals who had previously contracted COVID-19 without developing symptoms are less likely to develop post-COVID-19 condition upon subsequent infections.
A new study from the University of Birmingham and Keele University found that people with Long COVID symptoms lasting over 28 weeks are three times more likely to leave employment. The research highlights the significant impact of Long COVID on individuals' employment outcomes, particularly for those who leave work.
Researchers identified a protein that travels from brain to muscles, causing muscle fatigue. Studies in fruit flies and mice found that this process is relevant to inflammatory diseases, including bacterial infections, Alzheimer's disease, and long COVID. Blocking this pathway may prevent or treat muscle weakness.
A nationwide study found that nearly one in 10 pregnant people who contract COVID will develop long-term symptoms, including fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. The study provides important insights into the risk of long COVID in this population and emphasizes the need for healthcare practitioners to be vigilant for its symptoms.
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that migrants are at an increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, experiencing severe disease courses, and having higher mortality rates. Systemic barriers such as overcrowding, precarious working conditions, and limited access to healthcare contribute to poorer health outcomes.
Researchers identified six priority pathogens for WWS during the Paris 2024 Games, including poliovirus, influenza A virus, and SARS-CoV-2. The study offers a model framework for context-specific WWS targets in mass gatherings.
A new ECHO study reveals that neighborhood characteristics played a lesser role in child well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. The pandemic altered how people interacted with their neighborhoods, making factors like green spaces and recreation less important.
A longitudinal cohort study found that telehealth availability has declined since the COVID-19 public health emergency ended, affecting mental health treatment facilities. The decline suggests a need for targeted policies to sustain telehealth access and ensure continued support for mental health care.
A new report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine offers key findings on reducing health inequities and improving healthcare outcomes for marginalized communities. The report highlights complex interactions driving inequality and recommends community-based approaches to address these disparities.
A study published by Nemours Children's Health and Endeavor Health found that states with high COVID-19 vaccination rates saw a significant decrease in pediatric asthma symptoms, with the largest decline seen in the highest quarter of vaccination rates.
A team of Nordic researchers developed a predictive model to analyze the spread of infections across borders from spring 2020 to end of that year. The study revealed that cross-border closures were unlikely to have significant impact in specific scenarios, and restrictions may be more effective when targeting travelers.
Researchers discovered that dexamethasone works in patients with severe COVID-19 by influencing impaired inflammatory response through specific immune cells. A predictive tool using single-cell analysis can identify early responders to treatment, offering hope for targeted therapy development.
Researchers discovered a correlation between higher COVID-19 vaccination rates and lower symptomatic child asthma prevalence. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination may provide protection against other human coronaviruses through cross-reactive antibody responses.
Scientists identify PI3K gamma as a key player in recruiting damaging myeloid cells to infected tissues, and show that inhibiting this enzyme with eganelisib can prevent excessive inflammation. The study provides a new approach to preventing irreversible organ damage in infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Researchers found that high blood levels of saturated fatty acids, particularly palmitate, cause pre-activation of innate immune cells in obese non-diabetics. This leads to elevated inflammatory molecules when infected with SARS-CoV-2, increasing the risk of severe COVID-19.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that regular booster doses of bivalent vaccines can maintain a person's ability to neutralize multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains, including XBB.1.5. This is especially important for immunocompromised groups, such as solid organ transplant recipients.
A University of Oklahoma study finds that offering small financial incentives to smokers with low socioeconomic status can double their quit rates. The study's findings come from a clinical trial where participants who received pharmacotherapy, counseling, and financial incentives had significantly higher smoking cessation rates.
A cohort study of 311 hospitalized older adults with COVID-19 found that in-hospital delirium is associated with increased functional disability and cognitive impairment after discharge. Postdischarge follow-up should assess for these conditions in survivors experiencing in-hospital delirium.
Recombinhunt, a new data-driven method, identifies recombinant SARS-CoV-2 genomes with one or two breakpoints, offering high specificity and sensitivity. The approach also detects viral genomes from the monkeypox epidemic with high concordance.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in low birth weights among Indian infants. The research analyzed data from over 200,000 babies and showed that the prevalence of low birth weight rose by 3% during the pandemic.
A recent study investigated COVID-19 vaccine exposure in the first trimester and its potential impact on major structural birth defects. The results indicate that mRNA COVID-19 vaccine exposure during this period is not associated with an increased risk for selected birth defects among live births.
Researchers found that frequent respiratory infections in children may have elevated their innate immune activity, protecting them from severe COVID-19 symptoms. The study suggests that childhood exposure to common cold viruses and bacteria boosted the kids' immune systems, allowing them to better fight off SARS-CoV-2.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that increased social media usage 18 months into the pandemic had a negative effect on college students' mental health. Students who spent more time on social media were more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
The NIH is sponsoring a Phase 1 trial of an experimental nasal COVID-19 vaccine that may offer enhanced protection against emerging variants. The trial will enroll 60 adult participants and assess the safety and immune response of the vaccine candidate, MPV/S-2P.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
A recent study found that nearly half of those who lost Medicaid coverage during the Medicaid unwinding process were left uninsured by late 2023. The researchers also discovered that individuals who had been disenrolled reported significantly worse access to healthcare, including more cost-related delays in care and less affordability.
A new mathematical model suggests that waiting two days after symptoms arise for rapid COVID tests can increase accuracy by reducing false negatives. The model also recommends a 'test-to-exit' strategy to prevent infections and minimize inconvenience, which may be more effective than the five-day isolation policy.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that Covid-19 lockdowns increased the quality of species' habitats due to decreased pollution and human mobility. This led to improved water quality, cleaner air, and more affordable natural resources, ultimately benefiting both biodiversity and human health.
A study analyzing data from 6,010 English practices between 2018 and 2022 found that the national average dropped from 29.3% to 19% of patients able to see a preferred doctor. Practices with more doctors and higher same-day appointment rates showed slower declines in continuity.
Marilyn Rantz's Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) improves care quality in nursing homes, reducing avoidable hospitalizations. The program is now being emulated nationwide for its proven track record of success.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated strong protection against a range of COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission. Annual updates to the vaccine are recommended due to waning immunity from older versions.
A Northwestern University study found that learning and practicing positive emotion skills like gratitude, mindful awareness, and self-compassion can improve health care workers' well-being and reduce stress and anxiety. However, the intervention only works for those who practice it regularly.
A comprehensive retrospective study found metformin and AGIs reduced all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients with T2DM, while insulin use was linked to increased risk of death. The study suggests these treatment options may be more suitable for this vulnerable population.
A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.
Researchers are exploring inflammation caused by COVID-19 as a trigger for Long Covid, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. The study aims to identify potential causes and treatments for Long Covid, with findings that could lead to enhanced immune function in patients.
A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that cannabis users are nearly twice as likely to need hospitalization and intensive care when infected with COVID-19. Cannabis use was associated with a higher risk of severe illness, similar to tobacco smoking.
A recent study published in the International Review of Financial Analysis suggests that cryptocurrencies are not completely disconnected from economic risks. The research found that during turbulent periods like the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine war, cryptocurrency prices experienced increased volatility.
A new study found that market-ready steers can maintain high-quality beef even when fed lower-cost maintenance diets. The research showed no significant differences in meat quality between two diet groups, suggesting flexibility in feeding strategies.
A community-support model provided health resources and education to unhoused people in Boston, addressing gaps in healthcare access. The initiative showed the value of community-centered approaches in driving sustainable public health efforts.
Research suggests increased maternal mental health symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic are associated with regional brain growth changes in newborn offspring. Maternal psychological distress may impact newborn brain development.
Researchers used single-cell sequencing technology to study immune responses in healthy adult volunteers exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They discovered unique immune responses associated with resisting sustained viral infection and disease, including activation of specialized mucosal immune cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells.
The COVICAT study, involving a Spanish cohort of 9,218 individuals, used innovative approaches to analyze the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental stressors in determining depression risk. Key findings include the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors when addressing depression risk.
Researchers from CWRU and NJIT have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the body adapts to COVID-19 infection. The study suggests a potential link between elevated hemoglobin levels and the body's response to the virus, shedding light on the enigmatic phenomenon of silent hypoxemia.
Researchers at University of Cambridge uncover unified healer army of regulatory T cells that constantly move and repair damaged tissue. This discovery has implications for treating various diseases, including autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases.
Researchers used single-cell analyses to track the molecular biology of neutrophil and endothelial cell interactions in moderate and severe COVID-19 cases. They found that neutrophils remain permanently activated in severe cases, leading to a storm of pro-inflammatory signals and massive inflammatory responses.
A majority of Americans say four key pandemic policies were 'generally a good idea' in retrospect, including mask requirements, healthcare worker vaccination, indoor dining closures, and K-12 school closures. Views on these policies vary across subgroups, with Democrats and urban residents more likely to support them.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the mysterious condition known as 'happy hypoxia,' which affects some COVID-19 patients despite critically low blood-oxygen saturation. Elevated hemoglobin levels in certain patients' blood may play a key role in enabling the respiratory system to sustain low oxygen levels w...
A cohort study found that more than 1 in 5 adults did not recover within 3 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk of recovery was lower among women and those with preexisting cardiovascular disease, but higher among vaccinated individuals during the Omicron variant wave.
A new study by Columbia University researchers confirms the high burden of long COVID, shedding light on who's at greatest risk. The study found that women, adults with pre-pandemic cardiovascular disease, and those with chronic conditions were more likely to experience prolonged recovery times.
The report highlights the benefits of developing transit station areas with a focus on housing, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased walkability. Researchers recommend policy approaches to mitigate gentrification outcomes and bridge the gap between demand for walkable communities and supply.
A recent study found that hospitals with chronic understaffed nurses had higher mortality rates among Covid-19 patients. The researchers suggest that investing in nursing services prior to the pandemic could have prevented thousands of deaths. Thorough staffing and nurse education are seen as crucial for hospital preparedness.
A study by Åsa Winzell Juhlin from the University of Gothenburg found that all participants over 90 had hearing loss, with 80% requiring hearing aids. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing health in this age group for physical and mental well-being.
During the pandemic, humanitarian organizations showed remarkable flexibility and ingenuity in responding to supply chain disruptions. They sourced supplies from local vendors, secured long-term contracts with reliable suppliers, and leveraged good relationships with governments to continue aid delivery.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that the immune response of lung endothelial cells is too low in older individuals during early stages of COVID-19 infection, leading to increased severity. The study suggests targeting these immune pathways may have prognostic and therapeutic benefits.
A recent study found a disproportionate increase in pregnancy-associated deaths across diverse ethnic/racial groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed that certain groups, such as Hispanic and Black women, faced higher risks of death from non-obstetric causes like substance abuse and intimate partner violence.
A new study led by UCSF found that COVID-19 vaccine side effects like headache and tiredness indicate a strong immune response. Those with more symptoms had nearly double the antibody levels of those without, suggesting the vaccine is effective in preventing infection.
A 15-day Paxlovid regimen was found to be safe for extended treatment, but did not show a clear reduction in select symptoms of long COVID. The trial enrolled 155 participants who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and reported moderate to severe long-COVID symptoms.
A new study analyzed over 14,600 scientific publications funded by more than $4 billion in NIH grants, revealing key research topics such as clinical trials, vaccine distribution, and virology. The findings suggest that half of the funding went to five states: North Carolina, Washington, New York, California, and Massachusetts.
Research from Penn Nursing found that nurses in hospitals with the highest share of Black patients face greater moral distress, poor leadership communication, and limited access to PPE. The study highlights the need for innovative solutions to support nurses in day-to-day care and reduce physical and emotional burdens.