Articles tagged with Covid 19
A study by King's College London found that the number of new diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis fell by 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a potential substantial burden of undiagnosed patients. In contrast, for those diagnosed during the pandemic, there were no delays in starting treatment.
A study analyzing health records of veterans with SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID symptoms reveals the challenges of diagnosing and managing this condition. The analysis highlights complexities in clinical diagnosis and patient care.
Researchers identified specific monkeypox mutations that contribute to its continued infectiousness. The virus is accumulating mutations where drugs and antibodies from vaccines are supposed to bind, making it smarter and more infectious.
A study by University of Essex research revealed that therapeutic community gardening helped reduce loneliness and improved mental health during the COVID-19 crisis. The study found a 9% increase in self-reported life satisfaction and mental well-being among participants.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that genetic variants linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may also provide protection against severe COVID-19 infection. The researchers identified TYK2, a gene involved in interferon production, as the key locus behind this protective effect.
A new study by researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients with cancer and a weakened immune system who receive immunotherapies are more likely to experience severe COVID-19. The study also found that patients treated with other systemic treatments have milder symptoms, but still face increased risk of complications.
A multidisciplinary panel has developed actionable recommendations to end COVID-19 as a public health threat. The consensus-based approach prioritizes preparedness, surveillance, and collaboration among key stakeholders.
Researchers used human brain organoids to show how SARS-CoV-2 infects and destroys synapses in cortical neurons. Sofosbuvir effectively inhibited viral replication and rescued impaired neurons, suggesting a potential treatment for Long COVID.
Researchers at Jacobs University have found that a compound in coffee, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, can inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE-2 receptor, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that regular coffee drinkers may be less likely to contract the virus.
A new study led by University of Cincinnati researcher Trisha Wise-Draper found that immunotherapy treatments may worsen COVID-19 disease in patients with baseline immunosuppression. However, patients who received COVID-19 vaccinations had less severe COVID-19 outcomes.
UCR researchers find that modern ventilators overextend certain regions of the lungs, causing stress and damage, unlike natural breathing. They propose a new thick-walled model to better understand pulmonary mechanics and improve ventilation strategies.
A global study provides actionable recommendations to combat COVID-19 without exacerbating socio-economic burdens. The report identifies six major areas for action, including whole-of-society strategies and vaccine-plus approaches.
Researchers developed a contrastive learning model that can detect compromised lung function in long-COVID patients from 2D chest X-ray images. The model successfully identified small airways disease and separated it from more advanced respiratory issues, offering an affordable diagnosis option for clinics without CT scanning equipment.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has uncovered the mechanism that modifies the connective tissue of the lung in severe COVID-19, revealing a mosaic-like pattern to the damage. The study, published in The Lancet – eBioMedicine, identifies specific blood markers and vascular changes that can predict post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis.
Researchers evaluated Trace, New York City's COVID-19 contact tracing program, over its first 17 months. The study found that the program was effective in identifying cases and preventing further transmission.
A recent study found that adolescents who answered more COVID-19 test questions correctly also reported lower levels of loneliness and fear of missing out. Teens with better COVID-19 knowledge were less likely to use social media excessively, which contributed to their lower anxiety levels.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that chronic pain at age 44 is associated with poor mental health outcomes, joblessness, and general health issues in later decades. The research also suggests a link between chronic pain and COVID-19 infection, highlighting the need for attention to chronic pain as a public health concern.
Experts found that large differences in finger length between left and right hands are associated with COVID-19 severity. The study may help identify those at greatest risk of hospitalization across age groups.
A research team developed a smart mask integrating an ultrathin soundwave sensor that detects breathing, coughing, and speaking sounds. The mask uses machine-learning algorithms to identify respiratory diseases and improve public health by enabling prolonged monitoring.
Researchers found that COVID-19 challenge trial participants are motivated by a desire to help others, not financial gain. The study suggests that volunteers have a thorough understanding of the risks involved and are driven by altruistic intentions.
A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that infants are less likely to contract COVID-19 and develop severe symptoms if their mothers test positive for the virus. The study suggests that infant infection is mostly related to household transmission, not solely from maternal risk.
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine discovered a high prevalence of COVID-19 co-infections with the flu during the 2021-2022 flu season, peaking at 48% in October 2021. Vaccinations against both viruses appeared to offer protection against co-infections.
A longitudinal study of 629 first-year college students found COVID-19 negatively affected student mental health, identity development, and academic resilience. The pandemic disrupted critical developmental tasks typical for emerging adults in college.
A comprehensive review and meta-analysis found that young adults under 40 have a slightly elevated risk for myocarditis or pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The analysis analyzed data from over 58 million participants and explored the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine and these rare but dangerous adverse reactions.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that higher exposure to political conservatism is associated with higher COVID-19 mortality rates and increased stress on hospital intensive care unit (ICU) capacity. The study examined data from all 435 U.S. Congressional districts between April 2021 and March 2022.
A digital twin-based smart healthcare system uses a cascade recurrent convolution neural network (RCNN) architecture to analyze X-ray images and detect COVID-19. The system achieves good accuracy, with a mean average precision rate of 0.94.
Adults with hypertension experienced a small rise in blood pressure levels during the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the number of measured readings decreased significantly. The study found that telemedicine and home monitoring may have contributed to better blood pressure control.
A new study found that COVID-19 infection directly interferes with the healthy balance of microbes in the gut, further endangering patients. The research revealed that antibiotic-resistant species can escape into the bloodstream, putting patients at greater risk for life-threatening secondary infections.
Researchers tracked COVID-19 symptoms in 158 untreated participants for 29 days and found that more than one-third experienced a return of symptoms after at least two consecutive days of being symptom-free. The most common relapsing symptoms were cough, fatigue, and headache.
Researchers found that changing gloves and instruments just before closing wounds can prevent as many as 1 in 8 cases of Surgical Site Infection. A new toolkit also helps hospitals prepare for pandemics, heatwaves, and natural disasters.
Research found COVID-19 activates inflammatory response in the brain similar to Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to neurodegenerative conditions and new treatment approach with UQ-developed inhibitory drugs
A recent analysis of COVID-19-positive donor heart transplants found no significant differences in transplant outcomes compared to those from non-COVID-19 donors. The study's results suggest that COVID-19-positive hearts may be as safe for transplantation, potentially addressing the shortage of available donor organs.
Analysis by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers confirms Black Americans bear greater mortality burden, even after accounting for age and population differences. Partisan policies played a significant role in this shift, with states led by Republican governors lifting pandemic measures faster, leading to higher white death rates.
Researchers found a significant increase in heart disease deaths among adults in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study attributed this rise to factors such as lockdowns, lack of physical activity, increased smoking and alcohol use.
Mount Sinai researchers created a cloud-based digital framework, Employee Health COVID-19 REDCap Registry, to track employee health data and mitigate COVID-19 spread. The platform reduced case follow-up times from days to hours and helped identify occupational and non-occupational risk factors.
Recent scientific studies have shed light on the effects of exposure to earlier SARS-CoV-2 forms on immune response to Omicron variants. Researchers identified a pan-variant antibody with ultra-potent neutralizing potency, which may help reduce treatment resistance.
A study published in AJIC found that temporary isolation wards provided safe management of COVID-19 cases without healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The wards, used at a Singapore hospital during the pandemic, had environmental contamination detected most frequently in toilet areas.
A UCLA study found that Black Americans' mistrust of medical professionals and lower vaccination rates are linked to poor healthcare experiences, not past injustices. Researchers call for changes within the medical community to build better trust with Black patients.
Researchers found that immune checkpoint blockade therapy may be beneficial for certain cases of severe COVID-19. In pre-clinical trials, treatment with a PD-1 inhibitor restored T cell functionality and reduced inflammation in mice infected by MHV-A59, another betacoronavirus.
A new study in PNAS suggests that the spread of COVID-19 in US counties followed a hybrid lognormal-Pareto distribution, with 99% of counts conforming to Taylor's Law and the top 1% matching the Pareto distribution with infinite variance.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh found that high COVID-19 stress in women is associated with changes in menstrual cycle length, period duration, and spotting. The study suggests that these changes can have economic and health consequences for women, including increased costs for feminine hygiene products.
The Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge Monitor assesses public knowledge on climate, maternal health, vaccination, and more. The quarterly survey reports aim to highlight strengths and weaknesses in public knowledge and inform public health strategies.
A recent study by Simon Fraser University researcher Julia Smith found that women healthcare providers experienced 'double distress' in both their workplaces and homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers listened to stories of women participants to understand the challenges they faced, including inadequate staffing, lack of c...
A recent study found that ECMO survivors have a 24% higher rate of new mental health diagnoses compared to other ICU survivors. The study, published in JAMA, analyzed data from over 3,800 patients and found that depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders were the most common diagnoses.
A recent study by West Virginia University sociologists found that individuals with paranormal beliefs are more likely to be hesitant about vaccination. These beliefs, which include astrology and spirits, lead to a lack of confidence in science and vaccines, including the COVID-19 shot.
A new study found that psychological factors such as coping abilities play a significant role in individuals' risk or resilience to mental health disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain connectivity within specific brain networks also predicted individual vulnerability to anxiety and depression symptoms.
A study published in The BMJ found a small increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) after vaccination against the Covid-19 virus, particularly with adenovirus vaccines. Researchers recommend considering these risks when planning future immunization campaigns and vaccine development.
A study using contract tracing data in New York City found the city's program was efficient, producing data that informs neighborhood-level interventions like vaccination and reactive restriction. The researchers also identified large heterogeneity in reported close contacts and secondary infections across neighborhoods.
New research finds that believing COVID-19 is a hoax can lead to increased belief in conspiracy theories and even suspect the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump. The study proposes the 'gateway conspiracy' hypothesis, suggesting that one conspiracy theory triggers distrust in institutions.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed data from March 2020 to June 2022 to assess the severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant compared to earlier variants. The study found that BA.2 was associated with lower mortality rates and reduced need for hospitalizations, invasive ventilation, and intensive care admissions.
A recent study found that individuals who strongly believed in COVID-19 conspiracy theories were more likely to develop an increased tendency to believe in conspiracy theories in general. The study also showed that these individuals were more likely to believe in other conspiracy theories, such as voter fraud.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a novel bioink capable of constructing functional and mechanically strong blood vessels. The bioink enables bioprinting of conduits with key physiological characteristics similar to native vessels, potentially serving as vascular models for grafts in surgeries and disease studies.
A team of scientists at PNNL created a new kind of micelle that detects SARS-CoV-2 in the air by bursting open upon contact with the virus, sending an immediate electronic signal. The detector has advantages over current technologies, requiring lower viral particle levels and producing fewer errors.
Research from UCLA Health Sciences found that telehealth consultations following an emergency department visit were associated with 28 more repeat ED encounters and nearly 11 more return hospital admissions per 1000 patients. The findings highlight the need for careful consideration of when to use telemedicine for post-ED follow-ups.
A new anti-virus has been discovered in a medical lecture. The lectin, known as H84T-BanLec, is highly effective against many different types of coronaviruses, including those causing COVID-19 and MERS-CoV. Its unique mechanism makes it difficult for viruses to develop resistance, making it a potential 'pan-coronavirus' antiviral drug ...
A study published in Anthrozoös found that having a pet can improve mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those who are less resilient. Owners who spent more time interacting with their pets reported better mental health.
A study of 43,000 veterans hospitalized with COVID-19 found that Black patients were less likely to receive systemic steroids, remdesivir, and immunomodulatory drugs. This racial disparity in care was attributed to within- and between-hospital differences.
A new study found that Black veterans hospitalized with COVID-19 were less likely to receive evidence-based treatments such as steroids and remdesivir compared to their white counterparts. However, the study also found that disparities in treatment did not translate to higher mortality rates or readmission rates among Black patients.
A review of COVID-19 and other adult vaccination efforts found that cash transfers and lottery programs had limited outcomes in increasing vaccination rates, with some studies showing a slight over 2% increase in coverage. Non-cash incentives also showed no significant impact on vaccination uptake.
A large UK Biobank study found that COVID-19 infection is associated with a heightened risk of poor cardiovascular health and death, particularly among those who require hospital admission. The risk remains elevated for some time after the initial infection.