Search Results (30,786)

Liver transplant recipients (LTRs) have been considered a population group that is vulnerable to COVID-19 as they are chronically immunosuppressed patients with frequent comorbidities. This study describes the course of the SARS-CoV-2 disease from February 2020 to December 2023 along seven pandemic “waves”. We carried out an observational study on 307 COVID-19 cases in a cohort of LTRs with the aim of evaluating the changes in the disease characteristics over time and determining the risk factors for severe COVID-19. An older age and serum creatinine level ≥ 2 mg/dL were found to be risk factors for hospital admission and respiratory failure. The use of calcineurin inhibitors was a protective factor for death, hospitalization, and respiratory failure from COVID-19. One hundred percent of patients who died (N = 12) were on mycophenolate mofetil, which was a determinant for respiratory failure. Azathioprine was associated with admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Vaccination was a protective factor for hospitalization, respiratory failure, and mortality. The severe COVID-19 rate was higher during the first five waves, with a peak of 57.14%, and the highest mortality rate (21.43%) occurred in the fourth wave. The IMV and ICU admission rates did not show significant differences across the periods studied. Full article

COVID-19 has reinvigorated the policy debate for a universal healthcare system, attracting much attention on social media. In this paper, we study the online discourse of Medicare-For-All before and after COVID-19 by examining the Twitter feeds of two opposing health advocacy groups—Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) and Partnership for America’s Healthcare Future (P4AHCF). Our empirical results show a sharp contrast between the two interest groups’ communication strategies. PNHP showed a consistent narrative before and after the onset of COVID-19 on 11 March 2020, marked by personalized stories, references to diverse demographic groups, and a growing number of Medicare-For-All tweets. In contrast, P4AHCF showed more scientific terminology and data-centric tweets and had an inconsistent narrative with a sudden surge in positive sentiments and a complete silence on Medicare-For-All right after 11 March. The difference in communication strategies is consequential. PNHP has higher engagement with Twitter users and is more adaptive to a pandemic narrative than P4AHCF. We discuss how distinctive social media strategies can be explained by the groups’ different audiences and resources. The findings add to our understanding of healthcare advocacy campaigns on social media and the implication of a pandemic for health policy reform. Full article

Asthma has long been associated with increased susceptibility to viral respiratory infections, leading to significant exacerbations and poorer clinical outcomes. Contrarily and interestingly, emerging data and research surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that patients with asthma infected with SARS-CoV-2 experienced decreased severity of disease, lower hospitalization rates, as well as decreased morbidity and mortality. Research has shown that eosinophils could enhance immune defense against viral infections, while inhaled corticosteroids can assist in controlling systematic inflammation. Moreover, reduced ACE-2 expression in individuals with asthma may restrict viral entry, and the Th2 immune response may offset the Th1 response typically observed in severe COVID-19 patients. These factors may help explain the favorable outcomes seen in asthmatic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review highlights potential protective mechanisms seen in asthmatic patients, including eosinophilia, the use of inhaled corticosteroids, reduced ACE-2 expression, and a dominate Th2 immune response. Such a study will be helpful to better manage patients with asthma who have contracted COVID-19. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruptions in oncology care, significantly affecting both the quality of life (QoL) and mental health of cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impacts of the pandemic on oncology patients, focusing on the periods before, during, and after the pandemic. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the changes in QoL, illness acceptance, and mental health indicators, including the risk of depression, generalized anxiety, elevated stress levels, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among oncology patients, comparing these factors across the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. Material and Methods: This study included 2000 oncology patients, divided into three cohorts based on the time of assessment: pre-pandemic (2019, n = 600), during the pandemic (2020–2021, n = 800), and post-pandemic (2023, n = 600). This study included a balanced sample of 52% female and 48% male participants, with a mean age of 58 years (SD = 11.9), representing a wide range of cancer types including breast (25.7%), lung (20.9%), and colorectal cancer (14.8%). Additional demographics showed a mean BMI of 25.8, with varied educational levels, marital statuses, income levels, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30, while the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure depression and anxiety. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was used to evaluate PTSD symptoms, and stress levels were measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analyses were conducted using ANOVA and chi-square tests to assess differences between the groups. Results: During the pandemic, the prevalence of depression symptoms rose significantly, from 15% pre-pandemic to 32% (p < 0.001), while the risk of generalized anxiety increased from 18% to 40% (p < 0.001). Stress levels also saw a sharp rise, with 45% of patients reporting elevated stress during the pandemic compared to 22% before (p < 0.001). The rate of PTSD symptoms increased from 10% pre-pandemic to 28% during the pandemic (p < 0.001). QoL scores dropped markedly, with the mean EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status score decreasing by 25% during the pandemic (p < 0.01). Illness acceptance declined, with 60% of patients reporting poor acceptance during the pandemic, compared to 35% before. In the post-pandemic period, a slight improvement was observed across all measures. Depression levels dropped to 28% (p < 0.05 compared to the pandemic period), and anxiety levels decreased to 35% (p < 0.05). Stress and PTSD symptoms also showed modest reductions, with 38% reporting elevated stress and 22% exhibiting PTSD symptoms (p < 0.05). However, these post-pandemic values remained significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels (p < 0.001). QoL improved marginally, with a 10% increase in the global health status score compared to the pandemic period, though it remained lower than pre-pandemic scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the mental health and QoL of oncology patients, with significant increases in depression, anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms, along with a decrease in QoL and illness acceptance. While post-pandemic recovery trends are apparent, the psychological burden remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic conditions. These findings highlight the need for continued mental health support and interventions for oncology patients, even after the immediate pandemic effects have subsided. Full article

This study investigates the complexity, efficiency, and sectoral interdependencies of the S&P Global BMI indices during critical global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war. The analysis is conducted in three dimensions: (1) evaluating market efficiency using permutation entropy and the Fisher information measure, (2) exploring sectoral alignments through clustering techniques (hierarchical and k-means clustering), and (3) assessing the influence of geopolitical risk using Multifractal Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis (MFDCCA). The results highlight significant variations in informational efficiency across sectors, with Utilities and Consumer Staples exhibiting high efficiency, while Emerging Markets and Financials reflect lower efficiency levels. Temporal analysis reveals widespread efficiency declines during the pandemic, followed by mixed recovery patterns during the Ukraine conflict. Clustering analysis uncovers dynamic shifts in sectoral relationships, emphasizing the resilience of defensive sectors and the unique behavior of Developed BMI throughout crises. MFDCCA further demonstrates the multifractality in cross-correlations with geopolitical risk, with Consumer Staples and Energy showing stable persistence and Information Technology exhibiting sensitive complexity. These findings emphasize the adaptive nature of global markets in response to systemic and geopolitical shocks, offering insights for risk management and investment strategies. Full article

Since the onset of the COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 19) pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has exhibited a high transmission rate, further enhanced by new variants able to better adapt to humans. Addressing this issue has been challenging due to viral resistance and side effects associated with antiviral drugs and vaccines. As a result, there has been a growing interest in plant-derived compounds with antiviral properties. Our study revealed that pistachio extracts significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 viral entry. Employing pseudotyped particles bearing the S protein of SARS-CoV-2, we demonstrated that treatment with pistachio extracts inhibited binding of alpha (α) and omicron (ο) SARS-CoV-2 variants. Furthermore, our study revealed that the pistachio carotenoid zeaxanthin exhibited a different inhibitory activity against two SARS-CoV-2 variants. In silico analyses demonstrated a strong interaction between zeaxanthin and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) domain of the omicron spike (S) protein, thus reducing pseudovirus entry. However, zeaxanthin’s weaker interaction with the alpha variant’s RBD was insufficient to inhibit entry. Additionally, zeaxanthin suppressed the expression of the host protease TMPRSS2 at the protein level, thereby limiting the internalization of the alpha variant, which relies on TMPRSS2 for cellular entry. Full article

Since architectural education has been integrated into academic campuses, the design studio has become its most prominent pedagogical approach. However, in the last three decades, advances in computer-aided design (CAD) and online communication led to the development of virtual design studio (VDS) formats, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. VDS and physical design studio (PDS) are characterized by different sociomaterial environments, each offering unique learning opportunities. This study examines how these environments influence learning processes, analyzing two desk critique sessions—one conducted in a VDS and the other in a PDS. Our data, comprising video recordings and on-site observations, were analyzed and interpreted through a sociomaterial lens. The findings indicate that PDS facilitates more spontaneous interactions, allowing for the communication of complex ideas and better addressing misunderstandings compared to VDS, which is constrained by the limitations of digital communication platforms. This research provides both theoretical and pedagogical contributions. Theoretically, it demonstrates how architectural concepts emerge through sociomaterial interactions, framing architectural learning as material practice. In addition, it illustrates the role of sociomaterials in communicating complex ideas and shaping collaborative learning processes. Pedagogically, the findings emphasize the importance of creating rich sociomaterial environments that effectively support intended learning processes. Full article

Background: The pandemic and lockdown caused a slowdown or halt in many work activities across sectors, including academic research, which had to adapt lab procedures to lockdown restrictions. This study aimed to assess an innovative approach to sensory analysis that aligned with the pandemic’s constraints and could enhance traditional methods even in normal conditions. Methods: Remote training of judges was conducted to test the method’s effectiveness. Sensory evaluation of sous-vide chicken breast fillets was conducted at different temperatures (60, 70, 80 °C) and time combinations (60, 90, 120, 150 min), compared to a control (boiled at 100 °C for 60 min). Judges tasted 6 out of 13 randomized samples, recording intensities on a cloud-based sensory card. Results: Judges demonstrated good repeatability and panel homogeneity (RSD ≤ 30%). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in olfactory and flavor characteristics were noted among samples. Higher-temperature samples had stronger boiled meat and chicken flavors, and sous-vide samples showed greater juiciness, especially LT2 and LT3. Conclusions: The remote home-tasting approach proved effective in distinguishing key differences in meat characteristics based on cooking conditions. This method’s reliability and adaptability make it a promising alternative to lab-based sensory evaluation, ensuring research continuity in restrictive conditions and broadening potential for decentralized studies. Full article

This entry examines the critical issue of misinformation within online learning environments following the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on its types, spread, and consequences. It identifies key drivers of misinformation, such as reliance on unverified sources, limited media literacy, and emotional susceptibility during uncertainty. The entry analyses the effects of misinformation on students, educators, and the broader educational ecosystem, including behavioral disorders, reduced motivation, and misinformation-driven public anxiety. To address these challenges, the entry proposes strategies such as enhancing digital literacy, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging social interaction in virtual learning spaces. Ultimately, this work aims to equip educators, policymakers, and stakeholders with insights to develop a resilient, informed, and equitable post-pandemic educational framework. Full article

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the fifth leading cause of death for Americans older than 65. Though fluctuations have been noticed over the past two decades, the mortality of Alzheimer’s patients increased considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the temporal trends in AD-associated mortality (ADAM) and disparities in these trends, and we aim to discern changes to these trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The CDC WONDER Multiple Cause-of-Death Public Use Records from 1999 to 2022 were used to extract population data on deaths related to AD and stratify them based on age, biological sex, race, ethnicity, place of death, census region, and state. ICD-10 codes G30.0, G30.1, G30.8, and G30.9 were used to identify AD-related mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using the Joinpoint Regression Program version 5.0.2. Results: We confirmed an increase in mortality rate in all races, sexes, places of death, age groups above 65, and states/census regions. Interestingly, the age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) of AD was consistently higher in females compared to males. Non-Hispanic whites had the highest AD mortality by race and ethnicity. At the intersection of race and biological sex, White females had the highest AAMR with AD. Lastly, we noted an increase in AD mortality at hospice facilities as compared to other places of death. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the number of deaths due to AD was exacerbated by the recent pandemic and that White females were disproportionately affected. The disparities relating to ADAM uncovered in this study may assist healthcare administrators and policymakers in their decisions. Additionally, the findings might help initiate larger studies focusing on these disparities to explore novel risk/prognostic factors for AD. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are of great interest for study because they accumulate in environmental systems, such as terrestrial ones, which include agricultural soils. Unfortunately, in recent years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many face masks have been discarded in the environment, causing an increase in this type of MP. This accumulation can influence the physicochemical and biological properties of soil derived from its microbial activity. In the present study, different concentrations of MPs from commercial polypropylene (PP) face masks were mixed with agricultural soil. Four different treatments with the following MP concentrations were studied: T1: 0%, T2: 0.5%, T3: 1%, and T4: 5% w w⁻¹. C and N mineralization experiments were carried out over time at the microcosm level, where physicochemical, enzymatic and ecophysiological indicators were analyzed. Based on the analyzed indicators, a soil quality index called the Unified Weighted Additive Index (SQI_u) was developed. The resulting SQI_u showed N_min as the indicator with the closest relationship to the quality of the soils with MPs. Once the SQI_u was determined, the T4 treatment showed significant differences $(p\le 0.05)$ with respect to the control, presenting a higher quality value. The importance of conducting more research on the dynamics of C and N in different soils with different types, sizes, and concentrations of MPs can help to establish strategies to measure the effects of MPs on soils at the local, national, and international levels. Full article

This study explores the impact of COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions on manufacturing firms, focusing on external risks: demand, environmental, and supply. Our literature review reveals the general lack of comprehensive disruption plans and exposes the vulnerabilities in manufacturing firms with limited research addressing this issue. By adopting an interpretive research philosophy and a qualitative, inductive approach, our research delves into the operational challenges and adaptations implemented in the manufacturing sector during the pandemic through case studies. The findings reveal that COVID-19 significantly increased risks, causing demand surges, logistical disruptions, extended lead times, and labour shortages due to lockdowns, necessitating strategic shifts towards localised and digital supply chains in the manufacturing sector. Our study not only enriches the supply chain literature by detailing the pandemic’s effects and emphasising the need for robust disruption plans for enhanced resilience but also offers new insights into managing supply chain disruptions in crises, highlighting the necessity of strategic adaptations for future crisis preparedness across various industries. Full article

This study addresses the environmental challenge of surfactant removal from wastewater, focusing on the increased surfactant use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Polymeric waste, specifically polyurethane (PU) and polyamide (PA), was repurposed for surfactant adsorption to mitigate these environmental impacts. Methods included preparing surfactant solutions of sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and dodecyl pyridinium chloride (DPC) and the mechanical processing of polymeric residues. PU and PA were characterized by FTIR-ATR and by the pH at the point of zero charge, which yielded pH = 8.0 for both polymers. The adsorption efficiency was optimized using a central composite face-centered design, varying pH, temperature, and time. The results indicated that PU and PA effectively adsorbed anionic and cationic surfactants, with specific conditions enhancing performance. From the optimized experimental conditions, four assays were carried out to evaluate the adsorption isotherms and kinetics. Among the fitted models, the SIPS model was the most representative, indicating a heterogeneous surface. Regarding LAS, the maximum adsorption capacity values were ~90 and 15 mg g⁻¹, respectively, for PU and PA. Considering the DPC surfactant, lower values were obtained (~36 mg g⁻¹ for PU and 16 mg g⁻¹ for PA). The results are satisfactory because the adsorbents used in this study were second-generation waste and were used without treatment or complex modifications. The study concluded that using polymeric waste for surfactant removal offers a sustainable solution, transforming waste management while addressing environmental contamination. This approach provides a method for reducing surfactant levels in wastewater and adds value to otherwise discarded materials, promoting a circular economy and sustainable waste reuse. Full article

Background and Objectives: On 11 March 2020, our hospital adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by becoming a temporary COVID-19 facility, leading to the suspension or delegation of non-COVID-19 services. Among the international IBD community, there were significant concerns regarding the neglect of immunocompromised IBD patients and their increased vulnerability to COVID-19. To address these challenges, the COVID-19 ECCO Taskforce recommended the implementation of telehealth. Following this recommendation, our hospital’s IT department integrated audiovisual hardware and software solutions to facilitate virtual consultations. This approach enabled patients and their local physicians to receive formal reports comparable to those issued during standard in-person care. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis who participated in telemedicine consultations. Average distances and time saved were calculated using Google Maps, while carbon emissions and carbon footprint reductions were determined. Results: Between 11 August 2021 and 15 June 2023, 107 telehealth consultations were completed. Patients benefited from reduced travel distances, with an average saving of 168.28 km per consultation and a total reduction of 18,006 km. Travel time savings averaged 2 h and 22 min per consultation, amounting to a total of 252 h saved. The reduction in carbon emissions was calculated at 3.26 tons, equivalent to the annual absorption capacity of 109 fully grown trees, considering that an individual tree absorbs approximately 21.77 kg of CO₂ annually. These findings underscore telemedicine’s role in reducing environmental impact while enhancing patient convenience. Conclusions: The adoption of telehealth successfully optimized outpatient clinic operations, maintaining high-quality patient outcomes while contributing to environmental sustainability. Full article

This study investigates the public relations (PR) challenges faced by the airline industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Spirit Airlines as a focal case. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study analyzes a dataset of 344 LinkedIn online reviews and digital reactions to an incident where a family was removed from a Spirit Airlines flight after their two-year-old child refused to wear a mask. The case study highlights the complex PR challenges airlines face in balancing public health protocols with customer relations during health crises. Through thematic and sentiment analyses, this research identifies gaps in traditional crisis communication models, advocating for empathetic, transparent strategies that align with pandemic-related sensitivities. It underscores the need for specialized staff training to effectively manage such crises. The findings suggest that conventional PR strategies fall short in addressing the multifaceted nature of pandemic-induced crises, calling for a shift towards human-centered communication and robust stakeholder management. This study contributes to the discourse on crisis communication in the airline industry, offering actionable insights for balancing public health responsibilities with customer satisfaction. It calls for a reevaluation of established crisis communication frameworks, urging future research to explore more inclusive and adaptive PR practices in response to health emergencies. Full article