Articles tagged with Covid 19
Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.
The University of Kansas has established the International Center for Avian Influenza Pandemic Prediction and Prevention (ICAIP3) with $1 million in NSF funding. The center aims to predict and prevent future avian influenza pandemics by monitoring viral strains and identifying potential outbreak areas.
Substance use decreased among youths and young adults between 2019 and 2020, except for tobacco use reductions. Cannabis use increased among adults aged 25 and older during the pandemic. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to differences in data collection methods.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that COVID-19 vaccination does not interfere with cancer immunotherapy in previously vaccinated patients. The study supports recommending vaccination to patients with cancer, including those receiving systemic therapies.
A study by researchers in Brazil found that loss of muscle mass during COVID-19 hospitalization is associated with the development of persistent symptoms such as weakness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The study also showed that patients who lost more muscle mass had higher healthcare costs six months after discharge.
Research from Cornell University finds that replacement work-from-home (working during regular hours) boosts psychological well-being and engagement, while extension work-from-home (working outside of regular hours) leads to lower well-being, higher turnover intentions, and conflict between work and family. Women are particularly affec...
The UVA Health, Southwest Virginia Coalition is partnering to improve COVID-19 outcomes and chronic health conditions through innovative telehealth models. The consortium will bring together healthcare groups to develop a long-term blueprint for providing care in rural communities.
Among U.S. children and teenagers, COVID-19 was the 8th leading cause of death in a two-year period, highlighting its significant mortality burden. The study suggests that underreporting and incomplete accounting for COVID-19's role in deaths from other diseases may have underestimated its true impact.
Researchers have developed an AI-based resource to assist individuals in identifying recommended actions based on their clinical profile and COVID at-home test results. The system uses a combination of symptoms and home tests to provide more accurate diagnoses and improve patient care.
A new model has integrated two classic approaches to improve disease spread predictions, accounting for age-specific contact patterns and location-specific data. The model outperformed previous approaches in simulation studies and case studies, providing valuable insights into disease prevention and control.
Researchers developed a vaccine platform that uses nanoscopic particles to deliver antigens, which can stimulate immune responses. The platform showed promise in early trials with mice, with improved survival rates against influenza and HIV.
Researchers identified 7 key symptoms of long COVID, including heart issues and joint pain, in a study of 52,461 patients. The findings could help healthcare providers diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.
A Hong Kong study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found a 90% reduction in COVID-19 deaths among adults with multimorbidity who received a booster dose of vaccine. The study, which included over 120,000 participants, suggests that booster vaccination can significantly lower mortality rates in vulnerable populations.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that young adults with depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and have poor heart health. The study analyzed data from over half a million people between the ages of 18 and 49 and found that those who self-reported feeling depressed or having poor mental heal...
A new study finds COVID-19 was the top underlying cause of death from infectious disease among children and young people aged 0–19 years. The risk of death from COVID-19 was substantially lower compared to other age groups, but still a significant concern, with over 1,300 child deaths attributed to the virus in the US.
A study by Osaka University compared the sensitivity of rapid antigen tests (RATs) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The results showed that RATs had a high enough sensitivity to suggest frequent testing using RATs may still be the best approach.
A UAB researcher discovered a new definition of Petri nets that reconciles two longstanding mathematical approaches, allowing for the reconciliation of geometric and algebraic semantics. This breakthrough has been used in epidemiological modeling, including COVID-19 research.
Researchers found that measles virus mutations in its fusion protein allow it to infect nerve cells, leading to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The team's discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms of viruses like coronaviruses and herpesviruses.
New research reveals that children's immune systems have a strong initial reaction to coronavirus but don't develop long-lasting memory T cells like adults do. This means they are at risk of getting sick when reinfected and may experience an immune over-reaction, leading to severe symptoms.
A new report highlights the need for sustained investment in the public health workforce, which lost 40,000 positions in the 2009 recession. Strategies include ensuring diversity among students and supporting trainees within all sectors to address workforce shortages and challenges.
A study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases suggests that long COVID affects up to 36% of university community members who tested positive for COVID-19. The research identifies potential risk factors, including vaccination status and underlying medical conditions, which can reduce the risk of developing long COVID.
A study by OHSU researchers found that immunity from COVID-19 gathers strength over time, indicating that vaccination should not be delayed. The study suggests that vaccine boosters can be spaced no more frequently than a year apart among healthy individuals.
Researchers at the Istituto di Ricerca in Biomedicina discovered coldspots within the coronavirus spike protein, which are remarkably conserved across variants. Antibodies targeting these coldspots showed promise in blocking virus infection and protecting against disease in preclinical models.
The number of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the US rose significantly between 2019 and 2020, with Asian, Black and Hispanic populations most affected. The largest single-year increase since 2015 was seen in CVD deaths among these populations, highlighting structural and societal disparities.
Researchers analyzed nearly 400,000 Twitter posts to find that five popular conspiracy theories overlapped in narratives highlighting malicious purposes and secretive actions. The most common conspiracies included those related to Bill Gates, 5G Networks, vaccinations, QAnon, and Agenda 21.
Researchers found that non-lung transplant recipients from positive donors have excellent 30-day graft and patient survival rates, similar to those using donors negative for SARS-CoV-2. The study also showed zero transmissions of COVID-19 to lung transplant recipients after implementing lower respiratory track testing.
A new COVID-19 vaccine has been tested in humans, showing a good immune response and few side effects. The effectiveness of the vaccine is currently being investigated, but initial results suggest it could provide long-lasting immunity.
The pandemic exacerbated workforce shortages, low wages, and increased consumer responsibility in self-directed care. Policies like the Appendix K guidelines showed potential to alleviate unmet care needs, but further flexibility is needed to support consumers and workers.
A peer-reviewed study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that updated bivalent mRNA vaccines are more effective than original monovalent boosters at preventing COVID-19 hospitalization and death. Booster effectiveness peaked at four weeks after receipt and waned afterward, with average effectiveness against severe i...
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in international migration in high-income countries, with varying degrees of impact across nations. The study found that travel restrictions, mobility restrictions, and stay-at-home requirements were associated with immigration declines, while work and school closures had no effect.
Researchers used CO2 sensors to assess airborne transmission risk in over 60 areas in a residential aged-care home. They found that staff areas were at high risk of transmission, but implementing ventilation measures reduced this risk.
A recent study found that telemedicine use did not compromise the quality of opioid use disorder treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical outcomes for patients treated by clinicians with high and low telemedicine use were similar, suggesting telemedicine as a comparable alternative to in-person care.
The report shows total health-related financial assistance to fight COVID-19 in LMICs reached a record $37.8 billion in the first two years of the pandemic. However, despite significant spending, many countries still struggle with substantial funding gaps, which are critical to tackle the next global health threat.
Researchers studied cavefish metabolism to understand how humans might adapt over long periods of inactivity, finding genetic changes that enable muscle endurance and efficient energy storage. The study suggests potential implications for understanding and mitigating the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles on human health.
A study found that nearly one in three public health workers experienced nonphysical workplace violence, including threats and bullying, leading to increased risks of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. The more severe the violence, the greater the impact on mental health.
Researchers have shed new light on viral genome replication machinery, revealing its intricate structure at atomic resolution. The study, published in PNAS, provides essential insights into the assembly, dynamic operation, and potential therapeutic targets of this complex machine.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified a new host-cell factor, PCIF1, which plays a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study suggests that targeting PCIF1 could lead to more effective and sustainable COVID-19 treatments.
A nationwide study in Japan found that high-quality primary care attributes, including accessibility and continuity, significantly reduced hospitalizations. Researchers identified a reduction in total hospitalizations among participants with better primary care coordination and comprehensiveness.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found mRNA COVID-19 vaccination to be associated with lower risks of SARS-CoV-2 infections, severe illnesses, and hospitalizations. While vaccination was linked to higher adverse event rates, the frequency of severe adverse events remained low.
The study provides insights into primary care's challenges and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The learning community of AHRQ identified promising solutions to improve primary care delivery.
The authors created a data bridge between primary care and public health stakeholders in Alberta, Canada, to enhance the province's response to the pandemic. The data bridge enabled champions to emerge, trust to evolve, and integrative healthcare practices to take place, ultimately improving community-based responses.
Researchers found that patients used various therapeutic strategies to alleviate symptoms, including mind-body medicine, nutritional supplements, exercise, and olfactory training. Many patients need more understanding, recognition, and specific post-COVID health care services, as well as empathy from their doctors.
Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with primary care practitioners and patients to document experiences with digital surveillance of infectious diseases. The study identified five frequently-mentioned concerns, including ambiguity around informed consent and the potential for discrimination against certain groups.
Researchers found that regional factors such as ambient humidity, temperatures, population mobility, and household incomes significantly impact COVID-19 mortality rates. The study revealed that high humidity, low average temperatures, intensive migration, and higher incomes are associated with increased mortality.
Primary care physicians and patients expressed concerns about digital detection surveillance of infectious diseases, including ambiguity over consent and potential discrimination. High-quality primary care was associated with reduced hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study of 1,561 primary care patients found most preferred self-rooming for a safer waiting experience. Staff also overwhelmingly favored self-rooming, citing patient comfort and reduced isolation.
A UTHSC team developed a unique community-focused COVID-19 data registry, MEMPHI-SYS, to guide public health policies and interventions nationwide. The registry collects demographic information, geographic locations, medical history, and risk factors, providing insights into the spread and presentation of COVID.
A recent study found that Black and Hispanic veterans experienced longer wait times for cardiology and orthopedic services compared to white veterans, highlighting racial disparities in healthcare access
Pregnant women infected with Covid-19 may experience varying degrees of damage to their placentas, potentially harming fetal development and health. The study found that pre-Omicron variants caused more severe lesions than Omicron subvariants.
Employment of people with disabilities reached new heights in 2022, exceeding pre-pandemic and pre-Great Recession levels. The average monthly employment-to-population ratio increased to 34.8%, outperforming those without disabilities, who only surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
A study found that primary care clinics increased care management processes for chronic disease care from 2019 to 2021, with scores improving in organized and urban settings. However, performance and patient management areas saw a decline in 2021, with rural areas performing lower than urban ones.
A recent study of over 42,000 patients found low adherence to COVID-19 booster dose recommendations among immunocompromised individuals. This vulnerable population faces increased risk of severe COVID-19, underscoring the importance of tailored efforts to ensure they remain up-to-date with booster doses.
Researchers from UCalgary and the World Health Organization found that people with hybrid immunity have the highest level of protection against severe illness and reinfection, offering a key finding for public policy makers. The study suggests vaccination should be prioritized even among those who have had COVID-19.
Despite relaxed regulations, buprenorphine overdose deaths remained low and often involved multiple substances. The study suggests that expanded access to treatment for opioid use disorder is crucial to reducing overdose rates.
A new University at Buffalo study found that omicron caused fewer cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) compared to the delta wave, with milder symptoms. During the omicron wave, MIS-C comprised just 6% of hospital admissions, a 32% decrease from the 12% during the delta wave.
Researchers found that nearly half a million people missed starting medication to lower their blood pressure during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to thousands of avoidable cardiovascular events. Identifying individuals who missed out on treatment could reduce these events by just over 2,700.
A new study found that anti-Asian discrimination during the pandemic led to a nearly 20-percent drop in business at Chinese restaurants, resulting in an additional $7.4 billion in lost revenue. The researchers also found a strong link between political rhetoric blaming China for COVID-19 and the decline in business.
A recent study published in Respiratory Medicine found that older adults with asthma are at high risk of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately half of those with a pre-pandemic history of depression experienced a recurrence, while one in seven without a history of depression developed depression for the first time.
A study by Kennesaw State University researcher Weiwei Chen found that COVID surges led to poorer outcomes for non-COVID patients in hospitals overwhelmed with COVID cases. The odds of an in-hospital death were 1.2 times higher among non-COVID patients than before the pandemic.
Researchers in Japan have developed a novel method to assign workplace locations to individuals in synthetic populations, addressing a significant limitation of previous models. This breakthrough enables more accurate social simulations, which can be used to assess various social issues and inform policy decisions.