Articles tagged with Covid 19
Researchers in Ireland have identified a critical threshold of IgG antibodies for protection against COVID-19. This finding suggests that individuals with IgG antibody levels above this threshold are likely to be immune to all SARS-CoV-2 variants, providing a valuable tool for monitoring and managing the pandemic.
The Pandemic-related Traumatic Stress Scale (PTSS) measures stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies those with higher levels of stress. The study found caregivers had the highest PTSS scores, followed by adolescents, pregnant or postpartum individuals, and children.
A University of Pittsburgh study found a significant link between childhood trauma and higher odds of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality in adulthood. Adults who reported higher levels of childhood adversity, such as abuse or neglect, were 12-25% more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19.
A new survey from Northwestern University found that dads working from home during the pandemic reported twice as much parenting stress as those who worked onsite. The study suggests that societal expectations on men to prioritize work over family may contribute to this increased stress.
E-cigarette use persisted among young adults aged 18-24, with 71.5% of those who used e-cigarettes never having used combustible cigarettes. This finding highlights the need for targeted public health policies.
A large-scale investigation found that one in seven people in the US reported having had long Covid by the end of 2022. Long Covid is associated with anxiety, low mood, and physical mobility problems. The risk of these symptoms appears to be lower for those who have been vaccinated.
Research out of Osaka University reveals that many Japanese people continue to wear masks for socio-psychological reasons, including relief and norm. The study found correlations between mask usage motivations and actual mask usage before and after the government downgraded COVID-19's legal status.
A new study shows a significant decline in dental opioid prescriptions, with 45% fewer opioids dispensed between 2016 and 2022. However, progress slowed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be attributed to dentists being more cautious due to limited follow-up appointments.
A University of Michigan team found that vaccinating people over 65 against COVID-19 will save the US money, while younger adults may not see significant cost savings. The analysis, commissioned by the CDC, focused on costs to insurers and the government.
A global research community has agreed on a Core Outcome Measure Set (COMS) to measure the severity and impact of Long COVID, a vital tool to speed up treatment development. The set includes 12 outcome domains that will be measured in all studies and clinical services.
Researchers found that cognitive decline quickened by 50% in the first year of the pandemic, with factors like loneliness, depression, and decreased exercise contributing to the impact. The study suggests that lockdowns had a lasting effect on brain health in people aged 50+, raising concerns about increased risk of dementia.
Researchers have genetically engineered mice with human-like ACE2 protein, allowing them to develop symptoms similar to young humans infected with COVID-19. This breakthrough model has the potential to study disease impact and treatment approaches more effectively.
A new NIH study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents with pre-existing mental, emotional, behavioral, and developmental disabilities. The findings reveal that these teens faced more severe effects, including lower life satisfaction, compared to their peers.
A new study found that domestic violence involving firearms increased in three major US cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, while overall domestic violence remained stable. The researchers note that firearm domestic violence may be less sensitive to pandemic-related forces affecting reporting of other types of domestic violence.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 alters mitochondria on a genetic level, leading to widespread 'energy outages' throughout the body and its major organs. This affects the heart, brain, and lungs, contributing to long COVID symptoms.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased prevalence of depression symptoms and PTSD across eight nations, with food insecurity and job loss being major contributing factors. Higher income was linked to higher depression symptoms, while lower income was associated with higher PTSD symptoms.
A virtual, home-based exercise program using cognitively enriched tai ji quan improved global cognition and reduced walking interference associated with dual tasking in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The intervention also showed favorable improvements in cognition, function, executive function, and working memory.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that COVID-19 vaccination in female and male partners does not increase the risk of miscarriage. In fact, vaccinated individuals had a slightly lower risk of miscarriage compared to unvaccinated individuals. The study analyzed survey data from over 1,800 female participants...
A new study found that while most residents in British Columbia had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, older adults remained at highest risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. The researchers estimated that the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 was about 1 in 30 among adults 80 years and older.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe found that individuals with severe COVID-19 infections experienced the highest prevalence of chronic physical symptoms and had the most persistent symptoms for up to two years after diagnosis. In contrast, those who were never bedridden during their infection presented with a sim...
The study found that bronchiolitis admissions decreased temporarily during the pandemic but then surged among older patients, suggesting atypical seasonality. Hospitals should prepare for potential outbreaks in unusual timing in 2023.
University of Alberta researchers have identified taurine as a key player in predicting poor clinical outcomes and treating long COVID. A predictive test and proposed supplement trial aim to minimize symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified 38 businesses marketing unapproved stem cell treatments and exosome therapies for preventing and treating COVID-19. Many clinics claim to treat Long COVID, with some charging up to $25,000 for 'treatments'. Regulatory bodies must act to protect patients from misleading claims.
A study by Brigham researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in surgical abortions for commercially insured patients, with no concurrent increase in medical abortions. The rate of surgical abortions remained below pre-pandemic levels through June 2022.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that convalescent plasma administration reduced mortality by 10% in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress requiring artificial mechanical ventilation. The reduction was most pronounced when plasma was administered within the first 48 hours after initiation of ve...
A new study from Simon Fraser University finds that people with a history of incarceration were at significantly higher risk of opioid toxicity death during the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk increase was particularly pronounced among young adults who had been incarcerated between 2015 and 2020.
A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found no correlation between post-COVID condition and ongoing viral infection or active brain damage. The study analyzed 25 participants with confirmed post-COVID condition, six without residual symptoms, and 17 control subjects, revealing undetectable SARS-CoV-2 antigens in all samples.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with severe mental illness were 50% more likely to die from all causes following a COVID-19 infection. The research also highlighted regional disparities and differences in mortality risk based on ethnicity and geographical location.
A collected sample of 30 million Indian tweets revealed 2% containing misogynistic language, with rates rising during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a taxonomy to classify online misogyny and measured its prevalence in India.
A new study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted end-of-life care, with a growing burden on first-time carers and reduced formal care support services. Researchers advocate for improved resources for wider end-of-life care education, health and social care staff, and identification and assessment of carers.
Researchers found no significant improvement in primary composite outcomes, including organ support-free days and hospital survival, among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received intravenous vitamin C. The study suggests that vitamin C treatment may not be effective in improving patient outcomes for this population.
A global platform study has released results on the use of simvastatin to treat severely ill patients with COVID-19, showing a high probability of improving outcomes. In contrast, high-dose vitamin C was found to be ineffective and potentially harmful in critically ill patients, suggesting its use should be discontinued.
Researchers at King's College London are studying the effects of maternal prenatal exposure to COVID-19 infection on children's brain development. The six-year study will explore how the maternal immune system affects fetal brain development and identify potential impacts on childhood outcomes.
A new study suggests an artificial intelligence tool can detect distress in hospital workers' conversations with therapists during the pandemic. The tool analyzed digitalized session transcripts to identify common phrases tied to mental illness using natural language processing.
Researchers develop device capturing airborne droplets and aerosols while allowing light and sound transmission. The innovation offers a sustainable solution to preventing airborne infection without disrupting economic activities or daily face-to-face interactions.
A study of 83 children in 11 child care centers found low SARS-CoV-2 incidence and transmission within the centers, as well as from infected children to households
A study found that COVID-19 transmission rates in child care centers were low, with only 2% to 3% of cases occurring within the centers. In contrast, household transmission was high, with 50% of children and 67% of adults contracting the virus once infected.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 remained infectious for a median of three days after testing positive. The researchers suggest that five-day isolation policies may be more than sufficient to prevent transmission, but further research is needed.
A new study finds that certain gut-dwelling fungi amplify excessive inflammation in severe COVID-19 and cause long-lasting changes in the immune system. Patients with these fungi may benefit from specialized treatments targeting the fungi or immunological changes they instigate.
A new Australian study suggests harnessing genomic surveillance technology can detect the rise of deadly 'superbugs', slowing their evolution and spread to improve global health outcomes. The study highlights the need for a multifaceted 'One Health' approach to surveillance, with practical recommendations for implementation.
Researchers at Hokkaido University identified 2-thiouridine as a broad-spectrum antiviral drug candidate targeting ssRNA+ viruses. It inhibits viral replication and increases survival rates in mice models for dengue and COVID-19.
Mental health crises among children and adolescents requiring emergency department care skyrocketed during the pandemic and have stayed elevated despite a return to normalcy. Studies found increased rates of youth mental health-related visits, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and eating disorders.
Childhood trauma rates surged during the pandemic, with injuries from motor vehicle crashes and gunshot wounds rising disproportionately in socioeconomically deprived areas. The study highlights worsened pandemic-related stressors exacerbating an already severe problem.
A new study by researchers at UC Irvine and the University of Arizona found no consistent relation between COVID-19-related jail decarceration and violent or property crime in California. The study suggests that downsizing, on average, did not drive crime increases statewide, but notes limitations such as a short measurement period.
Researchers used dynamic total-body PET scans to visualize immune T cell distribution in recovering patients. The study found increased concentrations of CD8+ T cells in the bone marrow of recovering COVID patients compared to healthy controls.
A recent study in JAMA Network Open explores COVID-19 vaccine refusal and willingness, highlighting trust in health authorities as a crucial factor. The research suggests that building trust in healthcare professionals, experts, and public health agencies is essential for overcoming pandemic-related vaccine hesitancy.
The study, which analyzed data from older adults with peptic ulcer disease, revealed that approximately 1 in 8 individuals developed depression for the first time during the pandemic. Women, those who felt lonely, and those with functional limitations were at higher risk of depression. Targeted screening and intervention are being reco...
Researchers found that job seekers were 20% more likely to search for work at companies with over 500 employees after March 13, 2020. The average size of companies searched increased by 29%, driven by highly-skilled and better-educated candidates, which can impact startup success.
Researchers identified enhanced B-cell and T-cell responses in fully vaccinated individuals who became infected with SARS-CoV-2, generating immunological memory to prevent severe infection. Vaccine-primed memory T cells play a critical role in preventing severe COVID-19.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that communities of color in Inland Southern California experienced fear and mistrust of institutions due to historical, cultural, and social traumas. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive health interventions to address these traumas and promote community-based approaches for ...
New research from MIT found that germicidal UV lights can produce potentially harmful compounds in indoor spaces. The study suggests that the lights should be used with appropriate ventilation to minimize health risks. Researchers emphasize that the new UV lights are not a replacement for ventilation but rather a complement to it.
Researchers found that children's nasal mucosa has a more active and alert immune system than adults, which helps fight SARS-CoV-2. This innate strong protective mechanism is thought to also defend against other viruses.
A review in the Journal of Neurochemistry suggests a link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease, with age being the largest contributing factor. Emerging evidence may further support this association, with research assessing influences on AD neuropathology.
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 infection may worsen lower urinary tract symptoms in men. The research involved 17,986 men with medication for LUTS, half of whom had COVID-19, and showed a significant increase in urine retention, UTIs, and enlarged prostate issues.
A collaborative study published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters uses computer algorithms to generate molecular adaptations for COVID-19 medications. The researchers identified a functionalized molecule that showed promise against SARS-CoV-2, with enhanced potency compared to its parent compound.
The study found significant increases in psychological distress among females, younger individuals, Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, and those experiencing financial worries or loneliness. Mental health deterioration was also linked to overcrowded dwellings during the first wave of the pandemic.
Fauci highlights lessons learned from COVID-19, including success in basic research and vaccine development. He notes failures in public health infrastructure, coordination, and supply chain, emphasizing the need for sustained interest and support to prevent future pandemics.
A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that adult vaccination rates increase when out-of-pocket costs decrease. The study analyzed data from the shingles vaccine and found a significant increase in vaccination rates after the Affordable Care Act required private insurers to cover vaccinations.
A study published in Neurology finds that people with a recent COVID-19 infection are six times more likely to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome than those without an infection. In contrast, receiving the mRNA vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech is associated with a more than 50% reduced risk of developing the disorder.
A new study found that public health interventions, including testing, tracing, and quarantine, effectively controlled SARS-CoV-2 transmission within Boston University. The researchers identified only two major outbreaks during the spring 2021 semester, highlighting the effectiveness of systematic intervention strategies in limiting re...