Articles tagged with Covid 19
A new study found that COVID-19 caused a significant spike in premature births, but vaccines played a crucial role in reducing the risk of preterm birth to pre-pandemic levels. The research analyzed California birth records and found that maternal COVID infection increased the risk of preterm births by 1.2 percentage points.
A recent study found that COVID-19 transmission rates in child care centers were only about 2% to 3%, with 1 in 20 symptomatic children testing positive. Vaccination is still highly recommended, as vaccines are a safe and effective way of preventing serious infection.
Researchers assessed Veterans Affairs participants' coping strategies over three timepoints, finding that stable coping styles are associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression. The majority of the sample (71%) changed their coping style at least once during the study period.
A team of researchers has introduced a unique method that uses voice data to assist in revealing the covered parts of faces, overcoming challenges to facial recognition systems. Their approach demonstrates significant improvements in recreating critical facial areas like the mouth, nose, and overall face shape.
A Canadian study examines how rapid shift to virtual care during COVID-19 pandemic impacts primary care doctors' well-being. The researchers found that basic psychological need satisfaction at work was associated with higher well-being, while controlled motivation towards using virtual care predicted lower well-being.
A groundbreaking study analyzed the behavior of atoms in COVID-19 proteins to understand its evolution and spread. The research found critical distinctions in mechanical stability among various virus strains, highlighting how these differences contribute to the virus's aggressiveness.
A new study found that a half-dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine elicited a non-inferior immune response to a full dose in Mongolian adults, with fewer side effects. The study suggests that fractional dosing may improve booster acceptability and reduce costs.
A study of 768 married Japanese women found that postponing pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased loneliness and psychological distress. The associations were strongest in 2021, highlighting the need for improved mental healthcare systems.
A study using a novel MRI technique found that people with long COVID exhibit distinct brain changes compared to those who have fully recovered from COVID-19. The research suggests that these changes are associated with symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, and impaired sense of smell.
Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool to identify and treat Hikikomori, a condition characterized by prolonged physical isolation or social withdrawal. The Hikikomori Diagnostic Evaluation (HiDE) assesses the severity of social withdrawal, providing a practical guide for clinicians.
Commercially available NPBI-based air purifiers significantly reduced airborne virus infectivity, eliminating up to 99.98% of COVID-19, flu and RSV viruses in real-world concentrations.
A study found that cancer patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher mortality and hospitalization rates compared to non-cancer patients, highlighting the increased risk of severe illness. COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients reduced this risk, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in protecting vulnerable populations.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that COVID-19 has negatively impacted bone tissue, particularly among young adults. The research indicates a significant decrease in bone mineral density during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic measurements.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose before the first infection significantly reduces the risk of developing post-COVID-19 condition. Vaccinated individuals were approximately four times less likely to be diagnosed with long COVID compared to unvaccinated individuals.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 can leave a lasting impact on older adults living in nursing homes, causing them to need more help with daily activities and experience a decline in brain function. The study found that those who tested positive for COVID had effects that lasted up to nine months.
Testing wastewater for COVID-19 provides a more accurate forecast of new hospital admissions than clinical data. The researchers found that wastewater surveillance improved prediction models by 11 and 15 percent over models using case data and regional estimates, respectively.
A computer simulation by Nagoya University researchers found that human behavior, such as lockdowns and isolation measures, influenced the evolution of new COVID-19 strains. The study discovered that SARS-CoV-2 variants with higher peak viral loads were more successful at spreading, but also had shorter infection durations.
A study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction found that individuals' behavior to prevent disease spread depends on their personal information sources and living situation. The researchers discovered a strong link between medical information consumption before the outbreak and mask-wearing behaviors, while s...
Researchers used a stellate ganglion block to restore the sense of smell in patients with long-COVID, showing near 100% resolution of phantosmia in some patients. The treatment was effective in improving symptoms for up to 49% of patients at three months.
A recent study found that during stringent COVID-19 periods, online searches surged in the health and daily life category. As government policies relaxed, searches shifted towards duty-free and travel-related products. The research team applied PCA to Big Data of internet search activity volume data from NAVER DataLab platform.
Researchers found that fluvoxamine did not reduce symptom duration in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, contrary to previous uncertainty. The study analyzed 1,175 participants and used a randomized clinical trial design.
A randomized clinical trial of 1,175 participants found that treatment with higher-dose fluvoxamine did not improve time to sustained recovery in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The study compared fluvoxamine 100 mg twice daily for 13 days to placebo.
A significant post-COVID resurgence in invasive meningococcal disease has been observed in France, with a notable increase in cases among young people aged 16-24. The study reveals that the disease has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with some serogroups targeting different age groups.
Research published in Nature Human Behaviour suggests that lockdowns and voluntary behaviour change lead to similar economic damage, with lockdowns saving more lives. The study's model simulates the balance between health and economic impact, predicting health-economic outcomes of political and health measures during a pandemic.
A systematic review of air filtration systems found little evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the risk of viral infections. The study analyzed 32 studies and found no strong evidence that air treatment technologies can protect people from catching airborne respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
Pandemic-exposed preschool children demonstrated improved problem-solving skills, fine motor abilities, and vocabulary at 2-5 years old compared to non-exposed peers. They also showed enhanced cognitive performance in visual memory and overall cognitive abilities.
A new economic-pandemic model predicts that lockdowns and spontaneous risk reduction lead to similar trade-offs between health and the economy. The model, developed by an international team of researchers, accurately predicted death rates and economic impact in New York City during the first wave of the pandemic.
Research by the University of Exeter reveals that those with authoritarian political views are more concerned about terrorism and border control than new health pandemics. This study suggests COVID-19 does not disproportionately affect authoritarian concern for social divisions in British society.
A recent study by the Complexity Science Hub found that at least two-thirds of animal COVID-19 deaths were not reported to official sources. The researchers compiled a comprehensive list of 35 animal species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for improved data exchange and reporting.
Researchers have identified a tiny hinge in coronavirus spikes that allows them to tilt and bend. This bending affects how successfully the spike can infect a cell. The study suggests that disabling the spike's hinges could be a good strategy for designing vaccines and treatments against a broad range of coronavirus infections.
The US life expectancy gap between men and women has widened to 5.8 years, with COVID-19 and 'deaths of despair' being major contributors. Life expectancy in the US dropped to 76.1 years in 2021, driven by increases in deaths from drug overdoses, suicide, and accidents.
Researchers discovered COVID-19 causes epigenetic scars in lung tissue that lead to hyperinflammation and fibrosis. These changes are associated with increased interferons and chemokines, promoting inflammation.
Researchers found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with biological age acceleration and hypertension in middle-aged and older adults, but not in young adults. The study suggests that alcohol consumption may mediate the association between alcohol intake and quantitative traits like hypertension.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress on reducing HIV blood levels and worsened outcomes for certain groups, particularly Black patients and people who inject illicit drugs. The study tracked data from 17,999 participants across eight large HIV clinics in the US.
A study of 139,000 Canadian children found a substantial decrease in severe respiratory disease hospitalizations and ICU admissions during the first two years of the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. This suggests that public health interventions may be warranted for future evaluations of respiratory illness.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham found that patients experiencing virologic rebound after treatment may remain contagious. The study suggests that individuals shed live virus when experiencing a rebound, implying the potential for transmission after initially recovering from the virus.
The COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose epidemic significantly contributed to the widening gender gap in US life expectancy. Chronic metabolic disease and mental illness are also thought to play a role in the growing disparity.
Two COVID-19 studies on Singapore mothers and children found vaccination during pregnancy reduces newborn infection risk by up to 44.4%. Vaccination also showed potential protection against Long COVID in children under 18, with males more likely to experience symptoms.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened social inequalities in Sweden, particularly among those with low incomes and education. The study found that disadvantaged groups faced higher risks of poor health, economic strain, and reduced access to medical care.
A study found that 20% of patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritavir (N-R) experienced virologic rebound, a phenomenon where viral load increases after initial decline. In contrast, only 1 untreated patient was affected. The researchers suggest considering the risks and benefits of N-R treatment in patients at low risk for severe disease.
Experts call for urgent measures to address discrimination against patients fleeing war or conflict zones, those with serious mental illnesses, and frail elderly patients. Guidelines for treating advanced breast cancer should prioritize patient preferences and involve multidisciplinary care teams.
Researchers adapted a COVID-19 collaboration to monitor near-real-time trends in substance use-related hospital and emergency department visits. Detailed data shows large increases in methamphetamine- and opioid-involved hospital and ED visits among Native American, Black, and multiple-race populations.
An mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination before vs. during pregnancy and omicron infection among infants study found that maternal vaccination during the antenatal period was associated with a lower risk of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants up to six months of age.
A study of 3.5 million patients diagnosed with cancer found a deficit in cancer treatments during the first year of the pandemic. The data showed decreases in cancer diagnoses but not changes in treatment strategies, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on cancer care.
The World Health Organization has updated its guidance on treatments for patients with COVID-19, incorporating the latest clinical trial evidence. The new recommendations take into account changes in SARS-CoV-2 variants and immunity related to global vaccinations.
A new study suggests that gargling with salt water may be an effective remedy to improve respiratory symptoms and reduce hospitalization rates in people with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that both low- and high-dose saline regimens were associated with lower hospitalization rates compared to controls.
A new five-year research project combines AI, virology, and ecology to anticipate future SARS-CoV-2 strains that could pass between animals and people. The team will use artificial intelligence to predict variants and assess risk of spillover from people to wildlife.
A COVID Moonshot Consortium has made history by developing a potent SARS-CoV-2 antiviral lead compound through an unprecedented, crowdsourced approach. The project leveraged machine learning and high-throughput structural biology to identify novel compounds with excellent antiviral activity.
Patients with post–COVID-19 chemosensory alterations experience improved recovery of smell function over a 3-year period. Taste dysfunction shows lower frequency and faster recovery compared to smell dysfunction.
A new study recalculates US life expectancy during COVID-19, revealing smaller declines than previously thought. The hybrid life expectancy method accounts for pandemic duration, providing a more accurate assessment of the pandemic's impact.
A recent study published in eClinical Medicine found that the GB510/AS03 vaccine elicited a stronger antibody immune response against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain compared to ChAdOx1-S. The vaccine demonstrated robust safety and efficacy, with no significant safety concerns identified.
Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health propose establishing an independent committee to monitor state parties' compliance with the WHO pandemic agreement. The committee would report to a heads of state-level body and share findings publicly to promote accountability and effective implementation.
A systematic review of prospective studies found that individuals with asthma or rhinitis may be at increased risk of developing long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19. The evidence for these associations was uncertain, highlighting the need for further research.
Scientists have discovered that willow bark extract has a broad-spectrum antiviral effect against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses and enteroviruses. The extract works by attacking the surface of the virus, preventing it from entering cells and reproducing.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed metal-enhanced fluorescence probes for rapid and accurate detection of influenza viruses. The probes showed high sensitivity and specificity, detecting the virus even at low concentrations, with a remarkable accuracy of over 99%.
A study by the University of Plymouth and Nottingham Trent University found that reading and writing poetry had a substantial positive impact on participants' wellbeing during the pandemic. Poetry helped reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, as well as supporting social and cultural recovery.
Maintenance immunosuppressive drugs linked to increased COVID-19 hospitalization risk in solid organ transplant patients. Clinicians treating transplant recipients should consider these findings for epidemic-related decisions.
A study of 144 Covid survivors found that women with elevated inflammatory biomarkers during the acute phase were more likely to experience lingering symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and sleep disturbance. This research sheds light on a potential link between inflammation and persistent Long Covid symptoms in women.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that approximately one in eight military families with children used a food bank or pantry to make ends meet. The odds of using these resources increased by 35% for each dependent child, highlighting the need for targeted support to alleviate financial stress among military families.
A team of University of Maryland researchers developed a nasal spray vaccine that delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells of the airway, triggering an immune response that significantly reduced infection and spread of COVID-19. The technology can be adapted to induce immunity to other respiratory illnesses.