Articles tagged with Covid 19
A new study found that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on adolescent mental health and substance use, with increased depressive symptoms and negative effects observed up to two years into the pandemic. Parental social support and adequate sleep duration were associated with better mental health outcomes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that children's memory T cells react to SARS-CoV-2, providing immunity against COVID-19. The study found strong cross-reactivity between coronaviruses causing common colds and SARS-CoV-2.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
A study of 742 pregnant participants found that pandemic-related stress had a significant impact on mental health, particularly among those with low social support and high levels of worry. The research also showed that COVID-19 related stress during pregnancy was associated with poor postpartum maternal mental health outcomes and incr...
A new study suggests CANDOR programs can improve staff's well-being and increase retention rates, addressing the growing concern of burnout among healthcare workers. The program aims to promote honesty in medical error situations, supporting both patients and healthcare professionals.
A nationwide study found that financial disruption, such as a parent losing their job, was associated with increased stress, sadness, and COVID-19-related worry in children, but not sleep. School disruption had no association with mental health or sleep outcomes, surprising researchers.
A study of 398,000 COVID-19 patients found the absolute risk of venous thromboembolism to be low overall. Patient-level factors associated with higher risk may help identify subsets of patients who could benefit from more intensive surveillance or preventive strategies.
A new poll shows a decline in loneliness and isolation among older adults, but one-third still experience these feelings, especially those with poor health or disabilities. The study highlights the importance of social interaction for overall mental and physical health, and the need for a concerted effort to address these issues.
A Dartmouth study found that COVID-19 can cause 'prosopagnosia,' or face blindness, and impairments in navigational abilities. Researchers worked with a patient who experienced difficulty recognizing faces and navigating, leading to dissociation between face recognition and cognitive map representation.
A remote hypertension program, operated by Mass General Brigham, successfully supported patients through the COVID-19 pandemic in achieving their blood pressure goals. Participants who enrolled during the pandemic reached and maintained their goal blood pressures an average of two months earlier than in the pre-pandemic period.
Researchers found that girls generally fared better than boys in terms of wellbeing, but boys tended to improve when returning to school. The study also showed that children with lower family support scores suffered more from the lockdowns.
A population data linkage study found fewer people in Wales diagnosed with long-term conditions in 2020 and 2021 than expected, indicating a potential backlog of undiagnosed patients. This disparity affects chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anxiety disorders, corresponding to over 30 and 80 missing diagnoses respectively.
A study found that telemedicine visits did not adversely affect the quality of care for patients with major depression, and even improved some aspects of care. The transition to virtual visits also led to increased adherence to measurement-based care practices.
A team of researchers, including Holger Schünemann, are creating evidence-based guidelines to identify, prevent, assess, and manage post-COVID-19 condition. The guidelines aim to improve the lives of Canadians affected by long COVID.
Researchers developed an economic-epidemiological model to assess the impact of no closures. The study found that California's unemployment rate would have been lower, but deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19 would have increased significantly, exacerbating current inequities.
A study published in JCI Insight found that COVID-19 infection was associated with higher CMV and EBV antibody responses, while lower CD4+ T-cell counts were linked to ineffective SARS-CoV-2 responses. The research suggests that persistent inflammation may be a contributing factor to these differences.
A new study found that New York City rats are susceptible to Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also demonstrated a possible link between the virus and rat populations in the city's sewer systems.
A new study found that most people don't understand the difference between preprints and published academic journal articles. Researchers suggest that frequent reporting of scientific preprints could lead to public distrust in science, as findings may change after peer review.
The March issue of CHEST journal features 44 articles on topics such as asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also includes complementary web resources, including visual abstracts.
Researchers have identified a new target for COVID-19 treatment: the mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. Disrupting this complex's activity blocks ACE2 receptor production, making cells resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This approach offers a promising novel method for combating drug-resistant variants.
A study of 1,440 Canadian children with SARS-CoV-2 infection found that presenting symptoms have changed over time, but severe outcomes among children have remained relatively consistent. The research suggests that while the virus's characteristics are evolving, its impact on young patients remains a concern.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 strains and found that a class of oral drugs can block this pathway, potentially treating all SARS-CoV-2 variants. The findings suggest the potential for a new therapeutic approach to combat drug resistance.
A comprehensive review of 137 studies from around the world found minimal changes in mental health during the pandemic. Women and certain groups experienced worsening symptoms due to multiple responsibilities and care work.
After six months of disrupted schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, German students scored substantially lower on intelligence tests compared to earlier cohorts. The gap in test scores persisted even after sixteen months of irregular schooling.
A comprehensive study of 200,000 Swedish children found a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates between 2018 and 2020, with obesity rates rising by 30%. The greatest increase was seen in morbid obesity, highlighting the challenges faced by those who were already struggling before the pandemic.
A new study published at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases found that healthcare workers infected with the original SARS-CoV-2 virus were more likely to experience long Covid symptoms than those who had the omicron variant. The research suggests that omicron may be less likely to lead to long Covid, p...
The SCENTinel 1.1 test successfully discriminated between different types of smell disorders, including quantitative and qualitative olfactory dysfunction. It identified parosmia, a distorted perception of odors, with high accuracy and has the potential to be used as a rapid screening tool for olfactory dysfunction.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital tested a new nasal monoclonal antibody treatment, Foralumab, which decreased inflammatory markers and lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19. The treatment also showed similar effects in multiple sclerosis patients, suggesting its potential use for treating other diseases.
Researchers found that COVID-19 survivors with persistent symptoms were more likely to be sedentary, especially those experiencing breathlessness and fatigue. The study, supported by FAPESP, included 614 participants who were analyzed for physical activity and lifestyle habits.
Child firearm assaults surged in major US cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with racial disparities worsening. Hispanic, Asian, and especially Black children bore a disproportionate share of the increased violence.
A new study finds that Black, Hispanic, and Asian children experienced substantial increases in firearm assault rates, while White children's rates remained the same. The disparity in risk of firearm injury nearly quadrupled between Black and White children.
A study by the University of Missouri found that older adults who completed an eight-week resistance training program maintained long-term exercise habits and increased their physical energy despite COVID-19 restrictions. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program improved participants' sleep, balance, flexibility, and self-confidence in da...
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that dementia is the dominant risk factor for COVID-19 infection and mortality among residents of Swedish nursing homes. Early-onset dementia was found to be the strongest association with increased mortality rates, particularly in the 65–75 age group.
The University of Houston researchers have developed a new test that uses glow-in-the-dark materials to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of at-home COVID-19 tests. The test, which can detect COVID-19 proteins more efficiently, has shown excellent results compared to commercial tests.
A study by Simon Fraser University researchers highlights the need for expanded bereavement support services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found that restrictions and isolation increased the risk of developing Prolonged Grief Disorder, with feelings of guilt being a significant contributing factor.
The study reveals a significant increase in the rural-urban telemedicine divide at VA health care sites following the COVID-19 pandemic. This disparity may be attributed to disparities in structural capacity, such as internet bandwidth, and technology adoption among rural users.
Researchers developed a model to predict how locally tailored pandemic control measures can halt disease transmission and reduce societal burden. The study suggests that targeted interventions in subnational regions could have been just as effective as national lockdowns, resulting in fewer hospital admissions.
A West Virginia University study found that patients treated for motor vehicle collision injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic used more drugs, including cannabinoids, opioids, and stimulants. The study suggests public health interventions may be needed to curb this behavior in rural areas.
A new study analyzing household transmission data found that the top 20% of infected individuals cause three times more infections than the average person, highlighting individual differences in infectiousness.
Researchers found that angel care and embalming can effectively prevent virus transmission, allowing family members to say goodbye. The study provides evidence for national guidelines to address emotional distress caused by COVID-19 restrictions on cremation practices.
Researchers have identified a new class of 'good autoantibodies' that neutralize chemokines, reducing inflammation and promoting a favorable disease course in patients with long Covid. The discovery is linked to a lower risk of prolonged symptoms and a milder illness.
A global team of researchers created an algorithmic tool to identify existing drugs that could be effective against the next pandemic. The PHENotype SIMulator (PHENSIM) uses computer experiments to analyze biomolecules and predict antiviral effects, identifying potential candidates for repurposing.
A recent study found that anxiety about contracting COVID-19 is a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy. However, proactive coping, a trait involving future planning, also plays a surprising role in vaccine hesitation, amplifying it at both ends of the spectrum.
A survey of US parents found one-quarter reported misrepresenting COVID-19 prevention measures for their children. The most common reason was preserving parental autonomy. Additional reasons included wanting to resume normal life and balancing work responsibilities.
A nationwide study found that over 25% of parents lied about their child's COVID-19 status or didn't follow guidelines. Some parents misrepresented their child's age to get vaccinated, highlighting the challenges faced by parents during the pandemic.
Researchers found that trust in federal, state, and local public health agencies was driven by beliefs in scientific expertise and provision of direct care, not control of outbreaks. Lower trust was related to concerns about conflicting recommendations and perceived political influence.
A new study by Intermountain Health found that long-term intermittent fasting can lead to better outcomes in COVID-19 patients who required cardiac catheterization. Patients who practiced regular fasting had a lower rate of heart failure-related hospitalization, complications, and death compared to those who did not fast. The study sug...
A new study published in BMC Public Health suggests that problematic social media use in preteens is linked to both positive and negative alcohol beliefs. Researchers found that 97% of social media posts display alcohol in a positive context, contributing to positive perceptions among adolescents.
High-dose anticoagulation reduces intubations and deaths by 30% in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially those with ARDS. The study found a significant reduction in mortality and need for ICU care among patients treated with therapeutic anticoagulation.
A University of Michigan study suggests that exhaled breath contains unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can mark distinction between COVID-19, variants and non-COVID illnesses. The researchers developed a portable gas chromatography device to analyze breath samples with high accuracy.
The U.S. laboratory system needs improvement to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, tracking, and response to infectious diseases like COVID-19 and Mpox. The authors suggest government and private institutions collaborate to implement systemic changes, including federal funding and public-private partnerships.
New study by Curtin University researchers finds that silicon, gold, and copper can trap and destroy the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, likely killing the virus. The materials can be used in air filters, coatings, or fabric to capture coronaviruses and prevent infection.
Researchers at Intermountain Health studied nearly 150,000 COVID-19 patients and found a significant increase in chest pain rates six months to one year after infection. Long-term cardiovascular complications may be emerging, Dr. Heidi May notes., Chest pain persisted as a problem despite no major events like heart attacks or strokes.
Lung cancer death rates are projected to decrease overall in the EU and UK in 2023, however, a concerning trend is observed among women in France, Italy, and Spain. Meanwhile, pancreatic cancer death rates are forecasted to rise among women due to continued smoking habits.
A new study of nearly 136,000 patients found significant increases in depressive symptoms and severity during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of infection status. Depression symptoms rose from 45% to 55% of patients between 2016 and 2022, with no difference seen between infected and uninfected individuals.
A new UNCG study confirms that SARS-CoV-2 destroys the antioxidant activity of key human selenoproteins, weakening immunity and enabling virus replication. The findings suggest investigating selenium supplementation and dietary sulfur compounds as potential symptomatic treatments for COVID patients.
A one-year case-control study found increased rates of adverse outcomes among adults with long COVID compared to those without COVID-19, highlighting the need for continued monitoring, particularly in cardiovascular and pulmonary management. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing at-risk individuals.
A new study by MIT scholars reveals that sharing news on social media can lead to a decline in accuracy, as considering sharing impairs people's ability to discern truth. The study found that asking participants about sharing reduced their success rate at telling truths from falsehoods, with a 35% decrease in accuracy.
A 21-person commission of public health experts calls for networked communities sharing accurate vaccine information to counter misinformation. The US has seen a surge in anti-vaccine activism, leading to vaccine hesitancy and increased illnesses.
Despite exceptional challenges during the pandemic, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provided post-acute rehabilitation with only a modest decline in intensity. SNFs were largely able to adapt and provide quality care to older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment and higher risk overall.