Declaration Of COVID-19 Pandemic Research Articles

On the stylized facts of precious metals’ volatility: A comparative analysis of pre- and during COVID-19 crisis

The main aim of this paper is to investigate the stylized facts associated with the volatility of precious metals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using GARCH-type models. In particular, we employ an ARMA-GARCH, ARMA-EGARCH and ARMA-FIGARCH framework to account for volatility clustering, asymmetry and long memory in the volatility of gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Based on structural breaks, we divide the whole sample into sub-samples and find that the breakpoints occurred after the declaration of COVID-19 pandemic. Our results show a very distinct behaviour in the memory of the four metals before and during the crisis. While there is a moderate persistence in the full sample and in the pre-COVID-19 sub-period for the four metals, this effect vanishes after the crisis outburst. Positive asymmetric effects are also found in gold and silver volatilities, which intensify during COVID-19 phase. We ascribe this phenomenon to the hedge/safe-haven properties of these metals. By contrast, a diverse pattern is observed in the palladium and platinum volatilities, which display negative asymmetries before the pandemic, in tandem of financial markets. After the crisis, these metals show mixed evidence. Moreover, we argue that COVID-19 significantly affects the volatility of precious metals.

Comparison of Tumor Size and Gene Expression at Presentation in Uveal Melanoma Patients before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and gene expression variables of uveal melanoma patients presenting before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as surrogate markers in order to assess the pandemic’s potential impact on care. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of uveal melanoma patients at Retina Consultants of Texas and assessed tumor size, staging, and gene expression data during two time periods: May 2019 to February 2020 (Group 1: Before the COVID-19 pandemic declaration by the WHO in March 2020) and May 2020 to March 2021 (Group 2: After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic). Results: A total of 80 patients with uveal melanoma were studied (Group 1: 40 [50%] and Group 2: 40 [50%]). There was no statistically significant difference in the tumor thickness (p = 0.768), largest base dimension (p = 0.758), Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study size class (p = 0.762), and American Joint Committee on Cancer stages (p = 0.872) between the two groups. Additionally, there was no difference in the tumors’ gene expression data including gene expression profile class (p = 0.587) and PRAME expressivity (p = 0.861) between the two groups. Discussion/Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had no effect on the presentation of uveal melanoma patients across all tumor characteristics including size, staging, and gene expression data, suggesting there was not a significant diagnostic delay in care for uveal melanoma patients at our center due to the pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Declaration on New Oncology Trial Commencements: An Interrupted Time Series with Segmented Regression Analysis.

This study aimed to assess the trend in oncology trial commencements registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and to evaluate the contributing factors by comparing the trends in the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic era. The ClinicalTrials.gov database was searched to identify oncology study trials starting from 1 January 2018 to 28 February 2021. Data on the variables of start/complete date, phase, status, funding source, center, country and study type were extracted. According to the time point of the COVID-19 pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO), March 2020, we analyzed the extracted data, including interrupted time series (ITS) analysis and multivariable regression analysis. We identified 18,561 new oncology trials during the study period. A total of 5678 oncology trials in the prepandemic period and 6134 in the postpandemic period were included in the comparative analysis. The year 2020 had the most newly launched trials (32.3%), and the majority of trials were planned to be conducted for longer than two years (70.3%). The results of ITS show the trend in the commencement of oncology trials was significantly increased after the pandemic declaration (coefficient = 27.99; 95% CI = 19.27 to 36.71). Drug intervention trials were the largest contributor to the increased trial number compared to different interventions, such as trials of devices or procedures (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.26, OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 0.91 to 1.29, and OR = 1.12; 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.31, respectively), whereas the United Kingdom was the highest contributor to the number of decreased trials (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.51 to 0.89 p = 0.01) in the postpandemic era. The interruption in oncology trial initiation was diminished shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, which was influenced by several factors, such as interventions or national responses. Based on the current outcomes, appropriate strategies for developing oncology trials can be planned to mitigate the impact of future crises on oncology trials.

Association of Multiple Sclerosis and COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report

Introduction: Since the declaration of COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of demyelination of both peripheral and central nervous systems have been reported. The association of viral infection and the development of CNS demyelination has long been studied, and this link has recently been reported following SARS-CoV-2 infection as well.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Arthroplasty Surgeons.

BackgroundAfter the COVID-19 pandemic declaration in March 2020, all the elective total joint replacement surgeries in Canada were abruptly canceled for an indefinite period of time. The principal objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychological morbidity experienced by arthroplasty surgeons during the peak of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary objectives included characterizing influential variables affecting the surgeon’s well-being and suggesting directives for improvement.MethodsThis study surveyed Canadian Arthroplasty Society (CAS) members regarding their psychological well-being using the validated General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, and the Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult (PWI-A). As well, the survey included questions regarding concerns about COVID-19, precautionary measures, personal well-being, and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsA total of 80 surgeons (52% of those surveyed) completed the questionnaire, representing all 10 provinces in Canada. The prevalence of emotional distress and depression were 38% and 29%, respectively. Psychological morbidity most commonly resulted from concerns of loss of income/operating time, experiences of emotional conflict, and generalized safety worries. The surgeons commonly (93%) demonstrated insight in recognizing the impact of COVID-19 on their emotional health.ConclusionCanadian arthroplasty surgeons demonstrated emotional resilience and insight during COVID-19. Continual communication, as well as remuneration action plans, could improve the mental well-being of at-risk individuals.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019: impact on diagnosis, referral, eligibility for fetoscopic laser therapy, and outcomes

BACKGROUNDBecause of the progressive nature of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, difficulties in healthcare access during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to delayed diagnosis and referral to fetal surgery centers, which may have repercussions on outcomes.OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to assess the clinical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancies complicated with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.STUDY DESIGNA retrospective cohort study of consecutive monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome evaluated in our national referral fetal surgery center at Queretaro, Mexico, for possible surgical fetoscopy was conducted. Maternal-fetal characteristics and perinatal outcomes of cases evaluated during the first year of the World Health Organization's COVID-19 pandemic declaration (March 11, 2020 to March 10, 2021) were retrospectively compared with outcomes of cases evaluated during the same period in the previous year (March 11, 2019 to March 10, 2020).RESULTSOverall, 109 consecutive twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome cases were evaluated during the 2-year study period, 54 during the COVID-19 pandemic and 55 in the previous year. In the former group, a higher proportion of cases with fetal surveillance interval longer than 2 weeks (70.4% vs 47.3%; P=.01); twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome complications precluding laser therapy, such as intrauterine fetal demise, preterm rupture of membranes, or cervical dilatation with prolapsed amniotic membranes (18.5% vs 1.8%; P<.01); advanced twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (53.7% vs 36.4%; P=.07); preoperative short cervix (25.9% vs 10.9%; P<.05); and lower overall perinatal survival (56.9% vs 80.0% [P=.01; at least 1 twin] and 39.2% vs 56.4% [P=.08; both twins], respectively) were observed. A significantly lower number of cases were selected for fetoscopic laser therapy during the pandemic (75.9% vs 92.7%; P=.01), with similar postoperative outcomes seen in both study periods.CONCLUSIONIn pregnancies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown an adverse impact involving suboptimal fetal surveillance, advanced stages at diagnosis, poorer survival rates, and higher number of complications that preclude fetoscopic laser therapy.

Psychiatry In-patient Substance Profile Changes in COVID year 2020 from 2019 in a Teaching hospital of Eastern Nepal

Subsequent time, after declaration of COVID-19 pandemic, witnessed variable changes in various aspects due to COVID circumstances around the globe. We report and reflect here over the observation regarding substance use and use disorder scenario in initial COVID year 2020 in reference to 2019 (year preceding COVID-19 pandemic). It is an observation in psychiatry in-patient service of a teaching hospital of eastern Nepal. There were 420 (284 male, 136 female) and 279 (194 male and 85 female) admissions in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The most striking and significant change was seen for Nicotine, both overall and use disorder-wise. Over all, the proportion increased for Nicotine (34.05 to 48.03%) and Cannabis (16.67 to 17.92%) whereas decreased for Alcohol (38.33 to 31.18%), Opiote (7.62 to 6.81%), Benzodiazepine (6.43 to 5.73%) and other substance (0.71% to nil) among the in-patients in 2020. Categorically, both the Use and Dependence syndrome (ICD-10) increased for Nicotine (8.81 to 21.86%% and 25.24 to 26.17%) and Cannabis (10.71 to 11.47% and 5.72 to 6.45%). Proportion of Alcohol use and Harmful use decreased whereas Alcohol dependence increased, Opiote use increased whereas Harmful use and Dependence decreased, Benzodiazepine use and Dependence decreased and other substances decreased too. The observation shows various changes in the pattern of substance among the psychiatry in-patients which indicates the need for some strategic and policy changes to tackle this pandemic situation.

The prevalence and correlates of depression before and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration among urban refugee adolescents and youth in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda: A longitudinal cohort study

PurposeThere is scant research examining urban refugee youth mental health outcomes, including potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine prevalence and ecosocial risk factors of depression in the periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration among urban refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda. MethodsData from a cohort of refugee youth (n = 367) aged 16–24 years were collected in periods before (February 2020) and after (December 2020) the WHO COVID-19 pandemic declaration. We developed crude and adjusted generalized estimating equation logistic regression models to examine demographic and ecosocial factors (food insecurity, social support, intimate partner violence) associated with depression, and include time-ecosocial interactions to examine if associations differed before and after the pandemic declaration. ResultsThe prevalence of depression was high, but there was no significant difference before (27.5%), and after (28.9%) the pandemic declaration (P = .583). In adjusted models, food insecurity (aOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.21–5.33) and experiencing violence (aOR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.07–5.96) were associated with increased depression, and social support was associated with decreased depression (aOR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.81–0.89). ConclusionsThese findings highlight the urgent need for interventions to address chronic depression, food insecurity, and ongoing effects of violence exposure among urban refugee youth in Kampala.

Severe Burnout and Poor Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers 6 Months After COVID-19 Pandemic Declaration: What Can We Learn for Future Emergencies?

The aim of this study was to examine the predictors associated with severe burnout and poor mental health among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic as a learning opportunity for future emergent situations. Modifiable predictors of mental health need to be further examined and quantified to prioritize human resource support in organizations as healthcare workers confront stressful situations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 271 healthcare workers from September 8 to October 10, 2020. Approximately one-third reported severe burnout, as well as moderate/severe anxiety and depression. Feeling protected working with COVID-19 patients, high family functioning, and spirituality were associated with 2- to 4-fold lower odds of severe burnout. Satisfaction with the organization's communications predicted 2-fold lower odds of anxiety, whereas high resilience was associated with almost 4-fold lower odds of stress and depression. Healthcare organizations may consider adopting programs to foster resilience, family and spiritual support, and effective communication strategies to reduce burnout and poor mental health among healthcare workers during pandemics and other situations of high stress.

Consequences of COVID-19 pandemic over acute bronchiolitis hospitalizations in the center and east of Spain

IntroductionNon-pharmaceutical interventions that have been implemented in southern hemisphere countries because of COVID-19 pandemic declaration in March 2020, have evidenced some unexpected changes in the way of spreading of many other viruses. This study as a part of ECEALHBA’s Project, reports the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic over 2020–2021 bronchiolitis epidemic period in the Central and Eastern regions of Spain. MethodMulticenter, observational, descriptive and ambispective study of admitted infants with the diagnosis of bronchiolitis in 16 Spanish hospitals involved in the investigation project. Five epidemic periods previous to COVID-19 pandemic, from 2015 to 2020, were compared with the current one, 2020–2021, in both a qualitative and quantitative manner. ResultsTotal of 4643 infants were admitted to the participating hospitals along the study period. Pandemic season hospital admissions for bronchiolitis were 94.1% lower than in pre-pandemic period. December and January were peak months for bronchiolitis admissions during pre-pandemic period, but September was the peak month during pandemic year. There was a progressive decrease of admissions from this moment until the end of the follow-up, in April 2021. Rhinovirus has been the commonest etiology for bronchiolitis in 2020–2021 epidemic period of bronchiolitis. ConclusionsSome of the non-pharmaceutical interventions initiated because of COVID-19 pandemic are probably related to the dramatic decrease of bronchiolitis cases in 2020–2021 season. It would be rewarding to purpose novel research to clarify how these simple interventions can be useful, close to vaccines and antiviral drugs, to achieve the goal of avoiding the spread of respiratory viruses in pediatric population.

OC17.04: Twin–twin transfusion syndrome and COVID‐19: impact on diagnosis, referral and eligibility for fetoscopic laser therapy and outcomes

To assess the clinical impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic on pregnancies complicated with Twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Retrospective cohort of pregnancies with TTTS evaluated in our fetal surgery centre at Queretaro, Mexico for possible surgical fetoscopy. Maternal-fetal characteristics and perinatal outcomes of cases evaluated during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic declaration (03/11/2020 - 03/10/2021) were retrospectively compared with those cases assessed during the same period in the previous year. 109 TTTS cases were evaluated, 54 during the COVID-19 pandemic and 55 in the previous year. In the former group, a higher proportion of cases with fetal surveillance interval longer than 2 weeks (70.4 vs. 47.3%, p = 0.01), TTTS complications precluding laser therapy such as IUFD, PPROM, or cervical dilatation with prolapsed amniotic membranes (18.5 vs. 1.8%, p < 0.01), advanced TTTS (53.7 vs 36.4%, p = 0.07), preoperative short cervix (25.9 vs 10.9%, p < 0.05), and lower overall perinatal survival (56.9 vs. 80.0%, p = 0.01 of at least one twin; and 39.2 vs 56.4%, p = 0.08 of both twins) were observed. A significantly lower number of cases were selected for fetoscopic laser therapy during the pandemic period (75.9 vs 92.7%, p = 0.01); similar postoperative outcomes were observed both study groups. In pregnancies with TTTS, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown an adverse impact involving suboptimal fetal surveillance, advanced stage at diagnosis, poorer survival rates, and higher number of complications that preclude fetosopic laser therapy. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Preferences of inflammatory arthritis patients for biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in the first 100 days of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background/aim To evaluate treatment adherence and predictors of drug discontinuation among patients with inflammatory arthritis receiving bDMARDs within the first 100 days after the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic.Materials and methods A total of 1871 patients recorded in TReasure registry for whom advanced therapy was prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) within the 3 months (6–9 months for rituximab) before the declaration of COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated, and 1394 (74.5%) responded to the phone survey. Patients’ data regarding demographic, clinical characteristics and disease activity before the pandemic were recorded. The patients were inquired about the diagnosis of COVID-19, the rate of continuation on bDMARDs, the reasons for treatment discontinuation, if any, and the current general disease activity (visual analog scale, [VAS]).Results A total of 1394 patients (493 RA [47.3% on anti-TNF] patients and 901 SpA [90.0% on anti-TNF] patients) were included in the study. Overall, 2.8% of the patients had symptoms suggesting COVID-19, and 2 (0.15%) patients had PCR-confirmed COVID-19. Overall, 18.1% of all patients (13.8% of the RA and 20.5% of the SpA; p = 0.003) discontinued their bDMARDs. In the SpA group, the patients who discontinued bDMARDs were younger (40 [21–73] vs. 44 years [20–79]; p = 0.005) and had higher general disease activity; however, no difference was relevant for RA patients. Conclusion Although the COVID-19 was quite uncommon in the first 100 days of the pandemic, nearly one-fifth of the patients discontinued bDMARDs within this period. The long-term effects of the pandemic should be monitored.

Global assessment of tropospheric and ground air pollutants and its correlation with COVID-19

The declaration of COVID-19 pandemic by the WHO initiated a series of lockdowns globally that varied in stringency and duration; however, the spatiotemporal effects of these lockdowns on air quality remain understudied. This study evaluates the global impact of lockdowns on air pollutants using tropospheric and ground-level indicators over a five-month period. Moreover, the relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 cases and mortalities was examined. Changes in the global tropospheric (NO2, aerosols, and O3) and ground-level (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3) pollutants were observed, and the maximum air quality improvement was observed immediately after lockdown. Except for a few countries, a decline in air pollutants correlated with a reduction in Land Surface Temperature (LST). Notably, regions with higher tropospheric NO2 and aerosol concentrations were also COVID-19 hotspots. Our analysis showed moderate positive correlation for NO2 with COVID-19 cases (R2 = 0.33; r = 0.57, P = 0.006) and mortalities (R2 = 0.40; r = 0.63, P = 0.015), while O3 showed a weak-moderate positive correlation with COVID-19 cases (R2 = 0.22; r = 0.47, P = 0.003) and mortalities (R2 = 0.12; r = 0.35, P = 0.012). However, PM2.5, and PM10 showed no significant correlation with either COVID-19 cases or mortality. This study reveals that humans living under adverse air pollution conditions are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality.

Association of CNS demyelination and COVID-19 infection: an updated systematic review.

BackgroundSince the declaration of COVID-19 pandemic, several case reports of demyelination of both peripheral and central nervous systems have been published. The association between CNS demyelination and viral infection has long been documented, and this link was recently reported following SARS-CoV-2 infection as well.ObjectivesIn this systematic review, we aim to investigate the existing literature on CNS demyelination associated with SARS-CoV-2, and the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of articles in PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Cochrane, Google Scholar and Ovid databases, from 1 January 2020 until June 15, 2021. The following keywords were used: “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “demyelination”, “demyelinating disease”, “multiple sclerosis”, “neuromyelitis optica”, and “transverse myelitis”.ResultsA total of 60 articles were included in the final analysis of this systematic review and included 102 patients: 52 (51%) men and 50 (49%) women, with a median age of 46.5 years. The demyelination mimicked a variety of conditions with a picture of encephalitis/encephalomyelitis being the most common. At the same time other patterns were less frequently reported such as MS, NMOSD and even MOGAD. Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) was the most frequently reported pattern of spinal cord involvement.ConclusionA growing body of literature has shown an association between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and the development of different types of CNS demyelination. Although causality cannot readily be inferred, this review may suggest a probable causal relationship, through a para-infectious or post-infectious immune-mediated etiology in COVID-19 patients. This relationship needs to be clarified in future research.

Changes in Purchases for Intensive Care Medicines During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Time Series Study

BackgroundDrug supply disruptions have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for medicines used in the ICU. Despite reported shortages in wealthy countries, global analyses of ICU drug purchasing during COVID-19 are limited.Research QuestionHas COVID-19 impacted global drug purchases of first-, second-, and third-choice agents used in intensive care?Study Design and MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional time series study in a global pharmacy sales dataset comprising approximately 60% of the world’s population. We analyzed pandemic-related changes in units purchased per 1,000 population for 69 ICU agents. Interventional autoregressive integrated moving average models tested for significant changes when the pandemic was declared (March 2020) and during its first stage from April through August 2020, globally and by development status.ResultsRelative to 2019, ICU drug purchases increased by 23.6% (95% CI, 7.9%-37.9%) in March 2020 (P < .001) and then decreased by 10.3% (95% CI, –16.9% to –3.5%) from April through August (P = .006). Purchases for second-choice medicines changed the most, especially in developing countries (eg, 29.3% increase in March 2020). Despite similar relative changes (P = .88), absolute purchasing rates in developing nations remained low. The observed decrease from April through August 2020 was significant only in developed countries (–13.1%; 95% CI, –17.4% to –4.4%; P < .001). Country-level variation seemed unrelated to expected demand and health care infrastructure.InterpretationPurchases for intensive care medicines increased globally in the month of the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, but before peak infection rates. These changes were most pronounced for second-choice agents, suggesting that inexpensive, generic medicines may be purchased more easily in anticipation of pandemic-related ICU surges. Nevertheless, disparities in access persisted. Trends seemed unrelated to expected demand, and decreased purchasing from April through August 2020 may suggest overbuying. National and international policies are needed to ensure equitable drug purchasing during future pandemics.

Perforated Appendicitis During a Pandemic: The Downstream Effect of COVID-19 in Children

IntroductionCoronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020. States issued stay-at-home orders and hospitals cancelled non-emergent surgeries. During this time, we anecdotally noticed more admissions for perforated appendicitis. Therefore, we hypothesized that during the months following the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, more children were presenting with perforated appendicitis.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study reviewing pediatric patients admitted at a single institution with acute and/or perforated appendicitis between October 2019 to May 2020. Interval appendectomies were excluded. COVID-19 months were designated as March, April, and May 2020. Additional analysis of March, April, and May 2019 was performed for comparison purposes. Analyzed data included demographics, symptoms, white blood cell count, imaging findings, procedures performed, and perforation status. Statistical analysis was performed.ResultsDuring the study period, 285 patients were admitted with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with 95 patients being perforated. We identified a significant increase in perforated appendicitis cases in the three COVID-19 months compared with the preceding five months (45.6% vs 26.4%; P <0.001). In addition, a similar significant increase was identified when comparing to the same months a year prior (P = 0.003). No significant difference in duration of pain was identified (P=0.926).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic and its associated stay-at-home orders have had downstream effects on healthcare. Our review has demonstrated a significant increase in the number of children presenting with perforated appendicitis following these stay-at-home ordinances. These results demonstrate that further investigations into the issues surrounding access to healthcare, especially during this pandemic, are warranted.

How COVID-19 has affected stock market persistence? Evidence from the G7’s

This paper examines how COVID-19 pandemic has affected volatility persistence in the G7’s stock markets. Based on daily data we divided the whole sample into two sub-samples according to its breakpoints and found that they occurred right after the declaration of COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization — WHO (2020). This approach allows us to assess the main differences between these two distinct phases. Thus, while the first sub-period is relatively calm, the second one, which coincides with the pandemic outbreak, shows higher levels of volatility. Considering this, we rely on GARCH-type models to assess the degree of persistence of volatility and to evaluate how it has evolved across sub-samples. Our results show that the FIGARCH(1,d,1) is the best model to describe the data and that the degree of persistence is very different from the first to the second sub-sample. Thus, while the pre-pandemic period exhibits lower levels of persistence it has greatly increased with the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, S&P 500 and FTSE/MIB became the most persistent indices in contrast to NIKKEI 225 and FTSE 100, which were amongst the least persistent.

Pandemia por COVID-19 y su repercusión sobre las hospitalizaciones por bronquiolitis en el Centro y Este de España

IntroductionNon-pharmaceutical interventions that have been implemented in southern hemisphere countries because of COVID-19 pandemic declaration in March 2020, have evidenced some unexpected changes in the way of spreading of many other viruses. This study as a part of ECEALHBA's Project, reports the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic over 2020–2021 bronchiolitis epidemic period in the Central and Eastern regions of Spain. MethodMulticenter, observational, descriptive and ambispective study of admitted infants with the diagnosis of bronchiolitis in 16 Spanish hospitals involved in the investigation project. Five epidemic periods previous to COVID-19 pandemic, from 2015 to 2020, were compared with the current one, 2020–2021, in both a qualitative and quantitative manner. ResultsTotal of 4643 infants were admitted to the participating hospitals along the study period. Pandemic season hospital admissions for bronchiolitis were 94.1% lower than in pre-pandemic period. December and January were peak months for bronchiolitis admissions during pre-pandemic period, but September was the peak month during pandemic year. There was a progressive decrease of admissions from this moment until the end of the follow up, in April 2021. Rhinovirus has been the commonest etiology for bronchiolitis in 2020–2021 epidemic period of bronchiolitis. ConclusionsSome of the non-pharmaceutical interventions initiated because of COVID-19 pandemic are probably related to the dramatic decrease of bronchiolitis cases in 2020–2021 season. It would be rewarding to purpose novel research to clarify how these simple interventions can be useful, close to vaccines and antiviral drugs, to achieve the goal of avoiding the spread of respiratory viruses in pediatric population.

Nursing Students’ Perception of Online Learning Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The declaration of COVID-19 pandemic on 11th March 2020 by World Health Organization forced many countries including Nepal to choose online mode of nursing education. Hence, it is essential for the educators to find out students’ perception that ensures their readiness to learn in this new environment. This study sought to examine the perception of online learning among nursing students. Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 211 nursing students using enumerative sampling method. Self-administered structured online questionnaire was used. Calculated Cronbach's alpha value was 0.828. Descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean etc.) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) were used to analyze data. Results: The mean age of the participants was 19.80±1.87 years. All (100%) had mobile phone. Most (93.8%) had internet facility at home. More than half (59.7%) strongly agreed that face-to-face learning was more effective. Less than half (44.6%) strongly agreed that interrupted internet connection was an obstacle. More than half (56.9%) participants had positive perception of online learning. Age, enrolled nursing program and device used were statistically significant with perception of online learning. Conclusion: The perception of nursing students towards online learning is positive. Students are satisfied with their learning opportunities amidst COVID-19 through online education. However, interrupted internet connection, unfeasible practical natured courses, load-shedding etc. were perceived as obstacles to online learning. Age, enrolled nursing program, academic year, and devices used had an impact on positive perception.

Individual differences in emotion regulation prospectively predict early COVID-19 related acute stress

Preliminary prospective research suggests emotion dysregulation may confer vulnerability to poor stress responses. The present prospective study extends this research by examining both specific emotion regulation strategies and global emotion regulation difficulties in the context of acute stress following onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic in 119 young adults. As part of a larger study, emotion regulation was assessed prior to pandemic onset (January 2019 – February 2020) using two standard measures (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, ERQ, Gross & John, 2003; Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, DERS, Gratz & Roemer, 2004). A self-report assessment of acute stress was conducted 2−3½ weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration. Results demonstrated cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression (i.e., ERQ) were not individually predictive of acute stress; however, there was a significant interaction of suppression by reappraisal. Simple effects indicated suppression was negatively associated with acute stress only when reappraisal levels were high. Greater global emotion regulation difficulties (i.e., DERS), particularly nonacceptance of emotions and limited access to emotion regulation strategies, significantly predicted greater acute stress. These results provide further evidence of the temporal relationship between emotion dysregulation and stress reactions, and also suggest the expected effects of emotion regulation strategies may differ across contexts.