Articles tagged with Covid 19
In a cohort study of 2,055 patients with glomerular diseases, COVID-19 vaccination did not worsen kidney damage or affect proteinuria. The data support vaccination for COVID-19 in patients with glomerular disease.
A new study by George Washington University found that unionization increases employer compliance with OSHA's reporting requirements, leading to safer nursing homes. Non-unionized nursing homes are less likely to report workplace injuries and illnesses, making it difficult for policymakers to track and prevent these incidents.
A recent study found that ChatGPT scored 9/10 in accuracy for debunking Covid-19 vaccine myths, making it a reliable source of non-technical information. The AI tool's responses were accurate in addressing both true and false contraindications, but highlighted potential concerns over changes in answers over time.
A new health system program successfully allocated a life-saving medication to disadvantaged neighborhoods, increasing equitable receipt rates. However, disparities persisted, particularly for Black patients, who received significantly lower rates of the medication compared to white patients.
A weighted lottery system may favor allocation of COVID-19 monoclonal antibody to individuals in disadvantaged neighborhoods and those identifying as Black. However, this approach may also result in lower acceptance rates among Black individuals who receive the drug.
Researchers found that Native American patients were sicker and more likely to die in the hospital due to COVID-19, despite having fewer pre-existing conditions. They also had higher viral loads in their blood, which may be linked to immunological responses or social determinants of health.
A new study by University of Missouri biochemist Steven Van Doren reveals the fusion peptide's crucial role in virus attachment and cell penetration. This research could inform the development of more effective vaccines capable of fighting all types of coronavirus infections.
Patients with cancer had disparate COVID-19 mortality rates during the winter Omicron wave compared to the general US population. The study suggests that immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants pose a significant threat, requiring prioritized efforts to prevent transmission.
A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University have developed a method for forecasting short-term disease progression using limited data. The Sparsity and Delay Embedding-based Forecasting model, or SPADE4, uses machine learning to predict epidemic progressions with high accuracy.
Research finds that infants born during the pandemic have fewer types of bacteria in their gut compared to those born earlier. The study suggests that social changes caused by the pandemic may have influenced this change, with potential implications for infant health.
A study of 11.7 million adults in Ontario, Canada, reveals that COVID-19 infection is associated with significantly higher mortality rates among cancer patients who do not receive prioritized critical care treatment.
New SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as BQ.11 and XBB.1.5, bind to cells more tightly and evade antibodies more efficiently than earlier variants, allowing reinfections and breakthrough infections. Previous infection or vaccination can generate antibodies that recognize some proteins on newer variants, reducing the risk of serious illness.
A novel ACE2 receptor decoy, 3N39v4-Fc, effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants in monkeys, offering a potential therapeutic option. Inhalation administration demonstrates significant dose-sparing benefits and exceptional efficacy.
A study led by Washington State University researcher found that half a million children lived in 'doubled-up' households with grandparents during the pandemic. These arrangements were mainly driven by economic and instrumental needs, such as childcare and elder care, outweighing health concerns.
A DNA-based vaccine has shown promise in a preclinical study by Scancell Ltd and Texas Biomedical Research Institute. The vaccine prompted a robust immune response, including T cell activation and antibody production.
A recent study by researchers from Hackensack Meridian Health found that recurrent fevers in children increased significantly during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that these fevers may be more common than previously thought and could have been overlooked in non-pandemic times.
A study of COVID-19 patients in New Mexico reveals that Native Americans are more likely to develop severe disease, require mechanical ventilation, and have laboratory values indicative of more severe disease. The disparity is attributed to factors such as social determinants of health and potential immunological responses to the virus.
A study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Woman's Hospital found that pregnant women in Louisiana were more likely to exceed recommended weight gain levels during the pandemic, with a 3-7% increase. This rise in non-optimal gestational weight gain may have long-term impacts on maternal and infant health.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that most state-level pandemic triage plans still discriminate against older adults, individuals with disabilities, and minoritized racial and ethnic groups. The plans restrict access to critical care resources for patients with specific health conditions.
This study found a correlation between hospital-onset SARS-CoV-2 infections and community-onset infections, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and prevention measures. The findings suggest that hospitals should be particularly vigilant when community incidence rates are high, in order to reduce in-hospital transmission.
Researchers at National Korea Maritime and Ocean University developed a close contact identification algorithm that outperforms conventional clustering algorithms. The algorithm enables accurate tracking and physical isolation of individuals in ship environments, contributing to the health and safety of passengers.
Rapid Reviews Infectious Diseases will extend the successful preprint review model of Rapid Reviews COVID-19 to new research on infectious diseases like monkeypox, dengue fever, or herpes. The journal aims to accelerate the validation and diffusion of robust scientific findings through rapid peer review.
A recent MU study found that health and healthcare organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food, and mental health support, to address disparities in health outcomes. The research team explored innovative solutions implemented by care coordinators and social services to help overc...
The CDI published a study tracking nasal swabs of thousands of patients in New Jersey, providing new insights into the pandemic's peak. The results highlight the importance of vaccination, reinforcing the positive impact of COVID-19 vaccination and public health benefits of genotypic surveillance.
Researchers found that white-tailed deer are virus reservoirs, promoting ongoing mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. At least 30 infections were introduced by humans, and an estimated 23.5% of deer had been infected at one time or another.
Researchers found significant reductions in microbiome diversity among people with severe symptoms soon after infection. The oral microbiomes of people with shorter cases changed in consistent ways during infection, while those with long cases changed in many different ways.
Researchers have identified a key protein in SARS-CoV-2 that, when targeted, elicits a robust immune response. A live-attenuated vaccine based on this protein shows promise in preventing disease and offering long-lasting immunity. The approach could target areas of the genome less likely to change with variants.
Patients with severe long COVID often struggle with fatigue and exertion intolerance, with recovery rates varying depending on the initial infection's severity. A recent study found that those with ME/CFS experience little to no improvement in symptoms, while some patients in a second group show gradual improvement over time.
A new study found that mental health spending rose by 53% from March 2020 to August 2022 among privately insured Americans, with in-person care experiencing a significant increase. Despite plateaued telehealth use, overall mental health service use grew nearly 39%. The trend's sustainability remains uncertain.
A RAND Corporation study found that patient experiences with hospitals declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with deficits largest at lower-performing and understaffed facilities. Hospitals with higher staffing levels were more resilient but eventually reported worse experiences as well.
Higher-staffed and performing hospitals were more resilient during the pandemic, but patient experiences declined in all hospitals by late 2021. The study highlights the importance of hospital preparedness and performance in mitigating the effects of the pandemic on patient care.
A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened treatment outcomes for patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but did not significantly amplify existing racial and ethnic disparities in care. Additional efforts are needed to mitigate these inequities, particularly during periods of high hospital COVID-19 burden.
A new study found that families with a cohesive, family-oriented mindset were more likely to improve their well-being during the pandemic. Individuals in these families reported higher levels of personal fulfillment and lower stress and loneliness compared to those with weaker family dynamics.
HSE biologists explain how coronavirus evolves from Wuhan variant to Omicron, highlighting the crucial role of microRNA molecules in the process. The study found that substitutions in the viral genome disrupted microRNA binding regions, leading to the emergence of more contagious and resilient strains.
Researchers investigated SARS-CoV-2 responses in 222 donors from Central Africa, Europe and East Asia. They found disparities in immune responses due to blood cell composition, latent cytomegalovirus infection and human genetic factors. These population differences may help improve patient management in future epidemics.
A new study found that voluntary collective isolation alone was ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among the Amazonian Tsimané. The researchers used a computer model and serological testing to confirm their predictions, showing nearly identical infection rates across communities.
Researchers found that severe COVID-19 survivors exhibit elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity in response to mental stress, which accelerates heartbeat and increases blood pressure. This exaggerated reaction, combined with impaired vasodilation, poses a significant risk for cardiovascular complications.
A study published in Pediatrics found that texting can increase participation in public health programs, with 99% of staff having a valid cell phone number and fewer than 4% opting out. The SCALE-UP Counts program showed that texting can reach staff in K-12 schools to provide health screening messages.
A study of 24,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients found that pulse oximetry led to delayed treatment and higher readmission rates, with racial disparities observed among black patients. The study highlights the importance of accurate oxygen saturation monitoring in preventing these outcomes.
A study found that China suffered an estimated 1.87 million excess deaths among individuals 30 years and older during the first two months after ending its zero COVID policy. The lifted policy led to a significant increase in mortality rates, highlighting the need for continued public health measures.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that vaccinated patients with long-haul COVID were less likely to experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The study involved 477 patients who sought treatment for long-haul COVID at Mayo Clinic between May 27, 2021 and July 26, 2022.
A study of US families found that lower caregiver education led to financial strain and reduced adaptability, while younger children faced limited school support. Experiences varied little between urban and rural families.
Research identifies immunosuppressed individuals with lower antibody prevalence after three or more COVID-19 vaccine doses, highlighting increased vulnerability to severe infection. The MELODY study found that around one in five people with compromised immune systems had no COVID-19 antibodies.
A new study suggests that millions of Americans with post-viral syndrome similar to long COVID may have detectable immune responses to support a COVID diagnosis. The research found that 41% of participants had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, raising questions about the eligibility criteria for long COVID clinics.
A recent NIH study found that caregivers' education levels and child ages played significant roles in determining their primary sources of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers with lower education levels reported more financial concerns, while those with higher education levels were more worried about social distancing.
Researchers found a significant increase in pediatric trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with younger patients and falls from moderate heights being more common. Blood alcohol levels were also higher in patients aged 14-18 years old, suggesting targeted interventions to curb alcohol use may be needed
Researchers tracked infections among Connecticut correctional facility residents to find that high exposure to the virus reduces vaccination and prior infection effectiveness. Hybrid immunity provides higher protection in such settings.
A new study found that children's mental health and wellbeing gradually worsened over the past six years, with measures of life satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation declining consistently since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Australians, particularly those in higher year levels and from lower...
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that children from lower opportunity neighborhoods experienced a significantly higher rate of firearm-related injury during the pandemic. The study found that unsafe storage of guns and single-parent households, combined with the stress of an unprecedented international emergency, exacerbated...
The study found that individuals with hearing difficulties, vision impairments, and cognitive disabilities had the highest employment rates, with 52%, 40.3%, and 31.9% respectively. Remote work became essential during the pandemic, contributing to the surge in employment-to-population ratios for people with disabilities.
Cancer patients undergoing certain treatments are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection, but boosting can significantly reduce this risk. Boosting every three months cuts the risk in half, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
A new study finds SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly associated with development of high blood pressure in hospitalized adults. Persistent high blood pressure was more common in people with COVID-19 than influenza, highlighting potential long-term cardiovascular risk.
A study of veterans found no significant increase in mortality among those who survived COVID-19 for at least 180 days compared to risk-matched comparators. Despite worse overall mortality, the findings suggest a reassuring picture for those who have recovered from COVID-19.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics analyzed the severity of COVID-19 in pediatric patients, finding that intensive care unit admissions decreased over time but ventilatory support remained stable in younger children under age 5.
SARS-CoV-2's nucleocapsid protein (N) uses human body temperature to replicate, binding to RNA motifs at specific spatial folds. The study reveals new functions and potential targets for antiviral drugs.
Researchers developed a deep-learning model to assess CXR images for probable COVID-19 severity. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 when predicting intensive care need within 24 hours.
Public health experts recommend continuing routine mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff from COVID-19. The authors argue that while severe cases have decreased, asymptomatic spread remains a threat, particularly among high-risk patients and healthcare workers who may not be aware they are infected.
A NIH-funded study found that severe COVID-19 can cause lasting changes in the innate immune system, boosting inflammatory cytokine production and leading to chronic inflammation. Early treatment with IL-6 inhibitors may help mitigate these effects.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that severe COVID-19 infection can alter the immune system's response, causing long-lasting changes to gene expression in immune system stem cells. This can lead to symptoms of prolonged inflammation and 'long COVID' in affected individuals.