COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions Research Articles

A Pilot Study of Yoga with Incarcerated Youth Using the Prison Yoga Project Approach.

In recent decades, there has been more significant implementation and research of yoga programs in prisons and correctional facilities. Existing literature suggests that adult and juvenile prison-based yoga programs may improve stress-management and self-regulation skills; reduce depression, anxiety, aggression, and addictive behaviors; and increase prosocial behaviors. However, yoga in juvenile correctional facilities is still understudied compared to adult populations. The Prison Yoga Project (PYP) and Yoga FLAME (Focus, Letting go, Anger management, Mindfulness, and Exhaling negativity) are two frameworks used to structure the implementation of prison-based yoga programs among incarcerated adolescents. The present study aimed to describe trauma-related stress and self-regulation levels in a sample of incarcerated youth and to explore yoga's effects on developing stress-reduction skills. The study collected measures on overall and in-session stress reduction and baseline self-regulation. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and public-safety restrictions, the present study was prematurely terminated after 5 months. Only pre-assessment measures were collected. Across time, participants reported a 38% mean stress reduction from the beginning to the end of a yoga session. Incarcerated youth with higher initial self-regulation levels showed higher pre- to post-session improvements in stress. The present findings provide valuable evidence that yoga practice using the combined PYP and FLAME framework can deliver practical benefits to juvenile correctional facilities. Furthermore, yoga may be used to foster rehabilitation, enhance skill development, and facilitate greater success in youth transitioning back into the community.

Safety and immunogenicity of locally produced trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (Tri Fluvac) in healthy Thai adults aged 18–64 years in Nakhon Phanom: A Phase III double blinded, three-arm, randomized, controlled trial

BackgroundDomestic influenza vaccine production facilitates a sustainable supply for mitigating seasonal influenza and improves national health security by providing infrastructure and experience for pandemic vaccine production, if needed. MethodsA Phase III, double blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from Sep 2019-Oct 2020 in healthy adults 18–64 years in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Randomization (3:3:1) compared study vaccine (Tri Fluvac), saline placebo, and an active comparator (licensed vaccine). Primary outcomes were superior efficacy compared to placebo based on RT-PCR-confirmed influenza virus infection within 12 months and non-inferiority compared to active comparator based on immunogenicity (HAI assay) at 28 days. Safety was also assessed. ResultsThe trial enrolled 4,284 participants (Tri Fluvac = 1,836; placebo = 1,836; active comparator = 612). There were 29 RT-PCR positive influenza infections (10 Tri Fluvac, 5.5/1,000 PY; 19 placebo, 10.4/1,000PY; 0 comparator) for an absolute protective efficacy of 46.4 (95 % CI = −22.0–76.5) compared with placebo, but the power was 43.7 %. Seroconversion difference rates between Tri Fluvac and comparator at Day 28 were 1.74 (95 % CI: −2.77, 6.25), 2.22 (−2.40, 6.84), and −0.57 (−5.41, 4.27) for A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B strains, respectively. Adverse and severe adverse events occurred in 175 (9.5 %) Tri Fluvac, 177 (10.8 %) placebo, and 66 (10.8 %) comparator arms (p-value = 0.437, Tri Fluvac vs. comparator) ConclusionsTri Fluvac was well tolerated, and immunogenicity was non-inferior to the active comparator, meeting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria for adult vaccine licensure. Few acute respiratory infections were reported during intense COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, resulting in insufficient power to evaluate clinical efficacy.

Abstract B129: The association of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions with patient-reported outcomes and lifestyle behaviors among breast cancer survivors: Evidence from a cohort of Black and Hispanic breast cancer survivors in New Jersey

Abstract Purpose: The onset of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in the US since March 2020 has worsened the disproportionate burden of physical and mental health challenges faced by vulnerable Black and Hispanic breast cancer (BrCa) patients. BrCa survivors experienced delays in their cancer treatments and limited access to supportive care, which may lead to further physical, and psychosocial challenges during an already difficult time. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (i.e. health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sleep, perceived stress, coping and financial toxicity), and lifestyle behaviors (i.e. obesity, smoking, and alcohol) among Black and Hispanic BrCa survivors participating in the Women’s Circle of Health Follow-Up 1 (WCHSFU1) and the New Jersey Breast Cancer Survivors Study (NJBCS), two ongoing population-based studies in New Jersey. Methods: The NJBCS followed similar methods to those in the WCHSFU1. We included a total of 447 Black (npre=364 and npost=83) and 182 Hispanic (npre=102 and npost=80) BrCa survivors who completed a home interview ~24 months post-diagnosis, from 2017 to 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic era was defined as pre- (recruited prior to March 2020) and post-(recruited after March 2020) pandemic. To assess the association of the pandemic with PROs and lifestyle behaviors we employed multivariable adjusted Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to estimate prevalence ratios with 95%CI. Results: Compared to the pre-pandemic group, Black survivors in the post-pandemic group were more likely to be educated, to have higher income, and to be foreign-born, while Hispanic women were significantly more likely to have private insurance and higher HRQoL, physical and emotional well-being mean scores (p<0.05 for all). Adjusted Poisson models indicated that Hispanic women in the post-pandemic group had 1.53 times higher prevalence of low resilience (vs high resilience) (PR:1.53 95% CI: 1.15-2.04), compared to the pre-pandemic group. Whereas Black women in the post-pandemic group reported a higher prevalence of clinically significant sleep disturbance and efficiency (PR: 1.43 95% CI: 1.23-1.68 and PR:1.50 95% CI: 1.30 – 1.73, respectively), compared to the pre-pandemic group. Both Hispanic and Black women in the post-pandemic group showed significantly less perceived stress and a lower prevalence of alcohol consumption. Conclusion: We found heterogeneity in the prevalence of PROs and lifestyle behaviors by pandemic era among Black and Hispanic survivors. Notably, we also noticed differences in demographic characteristics of women participating after the onset of the pandemic, which highlights the importance of considering the impact of the pandemic in all aspects of research, including the interpretation of findings. Continuing research to untangle important factors contributing to racial and ethnic differences in patient characteristics, PROs and lifestyle behaviors post-pandemic in cancer survivorship is warranted. Citation Format: Carola T. Sanchez-Diaz, Nur Zeinomar, Hari S. Iyer, Marley Perlstein, Chi-Chen Hong, Bo Qin, Elisa V. Bandera. The association of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions with patient-reported outcomes and lifestyle behaviors among breast cancer survivors: Evidence from a cohort of Black and Hispanic breast cancer survivors in New Jersey [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B129.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on primary care for neurological disorders in the United Kingdom

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on primary care for neurological disorders in the United Kingdom

Erasmus Speaks: Bringing Internationalisation Online

In recent years we have seen a growing recognition by educators of the value of Virtual Exchange (VE) in the context of Internationalisation at Home (IaH) (de Wit, 2016). Research has shown the benefits of VE for language learners, as it emphasises the development of transferable skills (European Commission, 2021; Godwin-Jones, 2020). In this paper, we report on the development of Erasmus Speaks, an innovative, transnational Virtual Exchange Project offered at a third-level research institution in Ireland in autumn 2020. This new element replaced the Erasmus study-abroad period for over 600 European language students in response to Covid-19 pandemic travel restrictions. The high completion rate of the project, reflected in the large number of Transnational Erasmus+ Project (TEP) digital badges awarded to participants, shows that this task-based project met its objectives in relation to language learning, intercultural awareness, digital literacy and transferable skills.

Digital interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults: An evidence and gap map.

Social isolation and loneliness are more common in older adults and are associated with a serious impact on their well-being, mental health, physical health, and longevity. They are a public health concern highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, hence the need for digital technology tools to enable remotely delivered interventions to alleviate the impact of social isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 restrictions. To map available evidence on the effects of digital interventions to mitigate social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults in all settings except hospital settings. We searched the following databases from inception to May 16,2021, with no language restrictions. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, Web of Science via Clarivate, ProQuest (all databases), International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS) via ProQuest, EBSCO (all databases except CINAHL), Global Index Medicus, and Epistemonikos. Titles and abstracts and full text of potentially eligible articles were independently screened in duplicate following the eligibility criteria. We developed and pilot tested a data extraction code set in Eppi-Reviewer and data were individually extracted and coded based on an intervention-outcome framework which was also used to define the dimensions of the evidence and gap map. We included 200 articles (103 primary studies and 97 systematic reviews) that assessed the effects of digital interventions to reduce social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults. Most of the systematic reviews (72%) were classified as critically low quality, only 2% as high quality and 25% were published since the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence is unevenly distributed with clusters predominantly in high-income countries and none in low-income countries. The most common interventions identified are digital interventions to enhance social interactions with family and friends and the community via videoconferencing and telephone calls. Digital interventions to enhance social support, particularly socially assistive robots, and virtual pets were also common. Most interventions focused on reducing loneliness and depression and improving quality of life of older adults. Major gaps were identified in community level outcomes and process indicators. No included studies or reviews assessed affordability or digital divide although the value of accessibility and barriers caused by digital divide were discussed in three primary studies and three reviews. Adverse effects were reported in only two studies and six reviews. No study or review included participants from the LGBTQIA2S+ community and only one study restricted participants to 80 years and older. Very few described how at-risk populations were recruited or conducted any equity analysis to assess differences in effects for populations experiencing inequities across PROGRESS-Plus categories. The restrictions placed on people during the pandemic have shone a spotlight onto social isolation and loneliness, particularly for older adults. This evidence and gap map shows available evidence on the effectiveness of digital interventions for reducing social isolation or loneliness in older adults. Although the evidence is relatively large and recent, it is unevenly distributed and there is need for more high-quality research. This map can guide researchers and funders to consider areas of major gaps as priorities for further research.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: delayed re-emergence after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: delayed re-emergence after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions

Anthropause on tardigrade urban communities during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Salta, Argentina

Abstract The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020. The ‘anthropause’ almost emptied our streets of vehicles. In urban areas, automobile traffic is a major environmental factor, and tardigrades can serve as bioindicators of environmental change. During the winter of 2019–2020, samples were taken both before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. In both cases, traffic variables (vehicles per minute), environmental variables, and microhabitats were evaluated. Both before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, the true species diversity and the β-diversity of each habitat and habitat pair were compared. The indicator value method identified species that served as indicators of habitat. Although species richness increased during the anthropause, abundance decreased, as evidenced by the discovery of previously unknown species of Paramacrobiotus and Milnesium in 2020 and by the first record of Mesobiotus in the same year. Different variables were affected in different ways by the decline in vehicular traffic that occurred during the anthropause. Compared to the other examined traffic conditions, the behaviour of the variables was distinct in medium traffic, resulting in more stable conditions. Patterns of nested urban diversity might produce reversible gradients over time. Between habitats with high vehicular traffic and those with medium vehicular traffic, the greatest loss of species occurs.

How COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions Affected Kuwaiti College Students' Anthropometry, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Dietary Habits.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented to control it have led to widespread lifestyle changes globally. While previous studies have explored these effects across different age groups, this research focuses uniquely on college students in Kuwait. A cross-sectional study (N = 1259) was conducted among college students using a validated online questionnaire covering various aspects, including demographics, academic performance, self-reported body weight and height, sleep duration, dietary habits, and physical activity. There were equal proportions of individuals reporting decreased, increased, or no change in body weight, BMI, and dietary habits due to COVID-19, with no significant gender differences observed. A higher decrease (44.3%) than increase (29.2%) occurred due to COVID-19 in the proportion of college students engaging in physical activity. Significant differences were found in the students' responses to most of the eating behavior questions, concerning the changes attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Multivariable analysis showed significant interaction effects for gender by losing above 9 kg during the last 6 months in age (p = 0.037), total physical activity in METs-min/week (p = 0.048), and cake/donuts intake (p = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, revealed that a decrease in BMI was associated with an increase in daily vegetable intake (aOR = 1.531, p = 0.031), whereas increases in BMI were associated with an increased intake of sugar-sweetened drinks equal to or above 4 days/week (aOR = 1.551, p = 0.032) and increased chocolates/candy intake equal to or above 4 days/week (aOR = 1.792, p = 0.037). It was concluded that, in response to a major epidemic, such as COVID-19, college students, as a population, are susceptible to significant changes in lifestyle and eating behaviors that can impact their health and well-being. Future risks for college students' health can be reduced through appropriate lifestyle interventions.

Correlations between Mental Health, Physical Activity, and Body Composition in American College Students after the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.

Restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic had forced American college students to significantly reduce their daily energy expenditure and increase their sedentary behaviors, thus presumably increasing mental health symptoms, decreasing physical activity levels, and enhancing the promotion of unhealthy eating habits. This study aimed to explore the correlations between mental health symptoms, physical activity levels, and body composition in college students in the years following the pandemic, focusing on the lingering effects of lockdown measures. American college students completed pre-existing, well-validated surveys for both mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form). Body composition was assessed in person with the use of an Inbody 570 device. Of the 90 American college students (M age = 22.52 ± 4.54, 50 females) who participated in this study, depressive and anxious symptom scores consistent with heightened symptomatology were reported by 58% of the participants (N = 52), moderate borderline symptomatology by 17% (N = 15), and asymptomatology by 25% (N = 23). In regard to physical activity, 79% (N = 71) of the students were highly physically active, 18% (N = 16) were moderately active, and 3% (N = 3) reported low levels of physical activity. Additionally, 46% (N = 41) of the students maintained an unhealthy body fat percentage based on the World Health Organization recommendations. Strong, significant relationships were found between anxiety and depression symptomatology and body fat percentage (positive correlation, p = 0.003) and between anxiety and depression symptomatology and skeletal muscle mass (negative correlation, p = 0.015), with said symptomatology increasing with added body fat and decreasing with added skeletal muscle mass. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions affected American college students through an increase in mental health symptomatology and a deterioration in overall body composition.

People flow management in a healthcare facility through crowd simulation and agent-based modeling methods

The study investigates the optimization of user flow and space management in a hospital located in Turin by simulating activities and patient flows of the blood drawing center. The simulation aims to verify the maximum number of people allowed to occupy the spaces simultaneously, manage user flows, and verify compliance with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Pedestrian Dynamics, supported by Building Information Modeling (BIM) methods, and NetLogo are used to simulate and optimize user flow and space management relying on crowd simulation and Agent-Based Modeling. Patients’ movements and hospital activities are modeled to identify bottlenecks, crowded situations, and other issues. The methodology also allows the comparison of the two selected tools via the two simulations that are set with equal parameters. The results of the simulations enabled the analysis of current conditions and the testing of scenarios and hypotheses without inconveniencing users and interrupting hospital activities. Some improvements in space and people flow management could be proposed, e.g., distributing patients’ entries over the center opening times via an online booking system and modifying room functions. The proposed improvements support the facility managers to avoid, or at least minimize, crowded situations during which is not possible for patients to comply with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, while minimizing layout changes and consequently the costs and efforts of implementing the changes. The proposed methodology will enable better management of future emergencies in healthcare facilities. The tool comparison will support future studies on simulation tool selection according to simulation and stakeholder needs.

A83Assessment of the Use of Assorted Methods of Scenario Presentation in Communication Skills Simulation

FY2 doctors in Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) participate in simulation-based learning [1] to improve communication skills in difficult consultations. COVID-19 pandemic restrictions from 2020 – 2022 meant actors could not be present in person for this. Scenarios were therefore adapted to run as remote consultations - two were conducted using Zoom video calls and one by telephone with professional actors, and one ward-based manikin scenario with faculty as actors. We compared the effectiveness of the session, and of each scenario, in improving confidence in communication. Questionnaires were completed before and after simulation. Confidence levels were assessed using a Likert Scale (1 – 5) for each scenario. Participants were also asked to rank each scenario (1 – 4) for engagement, realism and relevance to practice at the end of the session, and for which of the three Intended Learning Objectives (ILOs) for each scenario they had gained most information. Over 10 days, 126 FY2s (6 - 8 per group) and 23 Faculty members participated. 92 completed questionnaires were obtained. ‘Take Forward Messages’ (TFM) from scenario debriefs from 12 groups were correlated with the ILOs. Overall, there was a significant improvement in confidence in dealing with difficult communication scenarios after the session; (mean ± SEM) score pre 2.87 ± 0.11, post 3.69 ± 0.08, p < 0.01. These values did not differ significantly from 2019 when actors were present in person. When asked to rank which scenario was most effective in different aspects, the case on how to deal with an angry patient (Zoom video call) performed best overall ( Scenario Quality Assessment and Improvement in Participant Confidence Levels Zoom and telephone consultations, and manikin-based scenarios can be used to provide effective simulation sessions to improve communication skills. Perception of scenario quality does not always correlate with success in achieving the learning objectives. Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.

Case Series With Streptococcus pyogenes -related Toxic Shock Syndrome in the Post-COVID Period [RETRACTED

After the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are nullified, increasing bacterial infections are reported such as invasive pneumococcal diseases and Streptococcus pyogenes infections. Streptococcal infections are common in children and usually have a mild clinical course. It can also cause life-threatening invasive infections such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Group A Streptococcus surveillance data was last reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2020. Although surveillance data are insufficient in our country, invasive streptococcal infections are seen with increasing frequency in our clinic in the postpandemic period, especially in the last weeks. In this case series, 3 patients with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome followed in the last 2 weeks are presented.

Web-Based Presence for Social Connectedness in Long-Term Care: Protocol for a Qualitative Multimethods Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant restrictions on social gatherings significantly impacted many peoples' sense of social connectedness, defined as an individual's subjective sense of having close relationships with others. Older adults living in long-term care homes (LTCHs) experienced extreme restrictions on social gatherings, which negatively impacted their physical and mental health as well as the health and well-being of their family caregivers. Their experiences highlighted the need to reconceptualize social connectedness. In particular, the pandemic highlighted the need to explore novel ways to attain fulfilling relationships with others in the absence of physical gatherings such as through the use of a hybridized system of web-based and in-person presence. Given the potential benefits and challenges of web-based presence technology within LTCHs, the proposed research objectives are to (1) explore experiences regarding the use of web-based presence technology (WPT) in support of social connectedness between older adults in LTCHs and their family members, and (2) identify the contextual factors that must be addressed for successful WPT implementation within LTCHs. This study will take place in south western Ontario, Canada, and be guided by a qualitative multimethod research design conducted in three stages: (1) qualitive description with in-depth qualitative interviews guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and analyzed using content analysis; (2) qualitative description and document analysis methodologies, informed by content and thematic analysis methods; and (3) explicit between-methods triangulation of study findings from stages 1 and 2, interpretation of findings and development of a guiding framework for technology implementation within LTCHs. Using a purposeful, maximum variation sampling approach, stage 1 will involve recruiting approximately 45 participants comprising a range of older adults, family members (30 participants) and staff (15 participants) within several LTCH settings. In stage 2, theoretical sampling will be used to recruit key LTCH stakeholders (directors, administrators, and IT support). In stage 3, the findings from stages 1 and 2 will be triangulated and interpreted to develop a working framework for WPT usage within LTCHs. Data collection will begin in fall 2023. The findings emerging from this study will provide insights and understanding about how the factors, barriers, and facilitators to embedding and spreading WPT in LTCHs may benefit or negatively impact older adults in LTCHs, family caregivers, and staff and administrators of LTCHs. The results of this research study will provide a greater understanding of potential approaches that could be used to successfully integrate WPTs in LTCHs. Additionally, benefits as well as challenges for older adults in LTCHs, family caregivers, and staff and administrators of LTCHs will be identified. These findings will help increase knowledge and understanding of how WPT may be used to support social connectedness between older adults in LTCHs and their family members. PRR1-10.2196/50137.

Public health monitoring of behavioural risk factors in USA: An exploratory study

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic's restrictions had a significant impact on behavioural markers such as physical, sedentary and sleep activity. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is a key data source for public health surveillance in the USA but is limited by subjectivity and data quality, and new-generation data sources like Fitbits face challenges with battery life and data access. This research study aims to use zero-effort technology and IoT-based big data to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population-level behavioural changes in USA. Methods The study used a proposed methodology to analyze data from 470 households in New Mexico, USA, using the DYD dataset from Donate your Data initiative by ecobee (a smart thermostat company). The Microsoft Azure data lake is used for the storage of raw data and the Azure databricks is used for data pre-processing, processing, and analysis. The Gaussian mixture model is used to identify sleep parameters by segmenting the sleep cycle records into different clusters. The quantity of sleep is measured by a motion sensor based on the absence of movement, and an increase in sensor activation indicates longer duration of household occupancy. Results The findings show significant changes at the household and population level for the selected behavioural health indicators (sleep-time, wake-up time, time spent indoors, time spent outdoors) during COVID-19 pandemic, which could be attributed to the policy changes implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. The study findings are shown by 1) heatmap visualizations at the household level showing trends for the selected indicators during the Covid-19 pandemic; and 2) statistical analysis indicating a significant difference in selected behavioural health indicators before and during the pandemic. Conclusions These innovative data analytics have the potential to provide real-time insights and alert system activation to monitor, promote, and improve public health. Key messages • Sleep health analysis using IoT data is a novel method of measuring public health indicators objectively using zero effort technology. • The available evidence from this study can further offer surveillance systems with near-real-time behavioral markers; alert system activation; and measure short- and long-term impact policy changes.

The impact of the anthropause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on beach debris accumulation in Maui, Hawaiʻi

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions led to a considerable reduction in tourism and human activity on Maui, presenting a unique opportunity to study debris accumulation on local beaches during changing levels of human activities. Standardized daily debris accumulation surveys were completed at two beach sites in Maui, Hawai ‘i before (2017) as well as throughout the initial year of the pandemic (2020–2021) and allowed for the assessment of pandemic-related restrictions on marine debris accumulation trends. Throughout the pandemic, reduced beach use due to higher lockdown levels had significant impacts on debris accumulation at both sites, but only one of the two sites experienced a significant decrease (~ 90% reduction) in debris accumulation rates when compared to the same months in 2017. Daily accumulation rates across two sites increased from an average of 16 items/100 m during peak lockdown levels to 43 items/100 m when restrictions eased. The observed fluctuations in debris accumulation rates, driven by changes in tourism and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic emphasize the importance of proactive measures to protect the natural environment, including source reduction and effective legislation for waste prevention. By addressing both local and remote sources of debris and focusing on reducing waste at its source, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of debris accumulation on coastal environments and marine life in Hawaiʻi.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Feline Strays in the Venice Area (2020–2022) in the Experience of Cat Rescue Organization Volunteers

Abstract This short communication introduces the reader to challenges faced by a cat rescue organization (Dingo-Venezia ONLUS) operating in the Venice area during and after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The area around Venice houses more than 1,500 cat colonies, in the mainland and in a number of densely inhabited isles. During COVID-19 restrictions, providing for animals was recognized as a legitimate cause to circulate, but there was uncertainty about the procedure to obtain such recognition. Volunteers chose to go and feed the animals nonetheless, even with the risk of incurring legal consequences. During restrictions, there was an increase of cat adoption demands, but also in cat relinquishment, and a general decrease in donations due to the economic crisis. Although not reporting experimentally sourced data, this paper affords the reader an informed insight into the challenges due to COVID-19 restriction, directly from the experience of an established Italian cat rescue organization.

A review of the impact of social disruptions on food security and food choice.

At times of severe social disruption, be that war, conflict, pandemic, or economic downturn, both the availability and consumption of healthy dietary patterns can be adversely affected with any effects often outlasting the initial social disruption. For instance, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and lockdown restrictions followed, households were reported to consume unhealthy diets. In some cases, this seemed to be a response to the situation and a coping mechanism. In contrast, in other cases, it was a consequence of limited food availability or access, with some communities finding that fresh foods became difficult to source due to the disruption in global supply chains. The example presented by the impact of conflict in Ukraine, which has also disrupted global food supply chains, at a macrolevel, food systems and at a microlevel, individual and community shows that food choices may respond to different global events in similar ways. Therefore, in this review, a range of events/disruptions are considered, beyond pandemics and wars, including climate disasters (e.g., fire, famine, and floods) that have been shown to impact food supply and consequently, food security. The importance of this can be seen as inadequate and nutritionally poor diets have a concomitant effect on health, which extends beyond the initial period of societal stress and disruption of food supply chains. Hence, the impact of such disruptions on consumer behavior which includes food choice needs to be corroborated. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the impact of such disruptions on consumer behavior and food choices. Additionally, this review provides some practical strategies that can be used to ensure the availability of healthy diets.

FRI549 The See-Saw Theory - Hypothyroidism Due To Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Followed By Hyperthyroidism Due To Graves' Disease

Abstract Disclosure: P. Sharma: None. Introduction: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland that leads to hypothyroidism due to formation of autoantibodies against thyroid antigens such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO Ab). Graves' disease is caused by stimulating TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb) that cause hypertrophy of the thyroid gland leading to hyperthyroidism. While the transformation of Graves' disease to Hashimoto's thyroiditis has been reported, flipping from Hashimoto's thyroiditis to Graves' disease is uncommon. Case Report: A 62 year old female with 20 year history of hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto's thyroiditis presented to establish care. She had run out of levothyroxine refills one year prior during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. She had tachycardia, diarrhea, fatigue, tremors, hair loss, dysphagia, and weight gain. Thyroid panel testing showed hyperthyroidism with an undetectable TSH (normal range 0.45-4.5uIU/ml) and elevated free T4 (2.84, normal 0.82-1.77ng/ml). Patient denied recent infections, iodine intake or iodine contrast exposure. Repeat labs confirmed hyperthyroidism with undetectable TSH with elevated free T4 (3.17ng/ml). Antibody testing comfirmed hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves disease (TRAb 20.7, normal <1.75IU/L). Patient has been on methimazole with fluctuating response and is reviewing definitive therapy options. Discussion: We demonstrate the rare phenomenon of thyroid function transformation from long-standing inhibition to stimulation after 20 years. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by chronic inflammation due to autoantibodies against TPO, thyroglobulin and the TSH receptor with gradual gland destruction and hypothyroidism. Stimulating autoantibodies to the TSH receptor (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSIg), TRAb) in Graves' disease lead to hyperthyroidism from gland hypertrophy. The flip from underactivity to overactivity can be explained by recovery of the gland from Hashimoto's thyroiditis injury which gradually leads to an overt response to TSIg, causing a hyperfunctioning gland. An imbalance between the inhibitory and stimulating antibodies can also lead to this transformation. Age, pregnancy and immunomodulating drugs such as alemtuzumab are also thought to play a role. The recovery theory is unlikely in our patient with a 20 year history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. We believe that she had a high inhibitory antibody titre initially and now has higher titre of stimulating antibodies later, leading to Graves' disease. Luckily, she ran out of levothyroxine otherwise the additive effect of levothyroxine and intrinsic gland activity could have led to worse symptoms. This case highlights that autoimmune hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are conditions in the same spectrum, rather than two distinct entities as previously thought. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Using of protective masks after the cancelling of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions: Prospective cohort research

The long-term using of protective masks, linked with the COVID-19 pandemic, could has a significant impact on people from negativism to addiction to use them. Aim: to assess the frequency of mask use after the canceling of restrictions depending on gender and behavioral characteristics, to assess the possible impact of not wearing masks on the incidence of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study on the Moscow Metro from 03/15/22 to 04/11/2022. Three cohorts of passengers were identified: K1 — using masks, K2 — wearing masks with defection from rules and K3 — not using masks. The shares of cohorts were determined depending on gender, travel area, time of day, occupation (use of paper information carriers, electronic devices). The proportions, their confidence intervals were determined; the comparison of the significance of differences was carried out using the Pearson chi-square method. Results: we made 28672 observations covering 225 out of 348 metro stations (67.5%). Within 5 weeks (11—15 weeks of 2022 year), the proportion of passengers not using masks (K3) increased from 74% to 94.6%. Starting from the 2nd day, significant differences between men and women were identified. The largest share of K3 passengers was among those using electronic devices. Among those using paper, the trend towards the elimination of masks was the least pronounced. The decrease in passengers using masks in Moscow did not lead to an increase in the incidence of COVID-19. Conclusion: in the absence of legal restrictions, the decision to use masks is influenced by the gender and behavioral characteristics of passengers.