Increase In COVID-19 Cases Research Articles

A Lower 25(OH)D Level in COVID-19 Patients is Associated with Increased Mortality: An Observational Study

Background: Recent studies have shown that insufficient vitamin D supply is correlated with increase in COVID-19 cases and its mortality. Potentially, it may play an important role in controlling virus proliferation. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and clinical findings, and mortality rate in patients with COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 COVID-19 patients referred or admitted to Loghman-e-Hakim Hospital of Tehran, Iran, from February to June 2020. After patient selection, demographic information of all patients was recorded. Eventually, the relationship between basic demographic and clinical findings with vitamin D levels in all patients was evaluated. Results: The mean Vit-D levels in intubated and non-intubated patients were 22.95 ± 22.23 ng/mL and 21.64 ± 29.20 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.018). In most of the outpatients (46.7%), Vit-D levels were between 21 - 30 ng/mL, and 47.6% of admitted patients had Vit-D ≤ 20 ng/mL. The mean Vit-D level in survived patients was significantly higher than patients who died (28.2 ± 21.18 ng/mL vs. 19.91 ± 14.18 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.021). While 34.2% (55 cases) of survived patients had Vit-D level ≥ 31 ng/mL, about 70% of death cases had Vit-D ≤ 20 ng/mL (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to our results, vitamin D supplementation could be beneficial in COVID-19 patients. However, further comprehensive clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Covid-19, Unemployment, Effort to Tackle It

The significant increase in Covid-19 cases illustrates the economic condition of the community and has an impact on the high unemployment rate. O bject of study is economic growth, inflation, and unemployment rate. The type of study is an associative quantitative approach that aims to determine the effect of economic growth and inflation on the unemployment rate in West Java Province in 2015-2020. Data collection was obtained from secondary data taken from the Statictics Indonesia (BPS) of West Java Province . Technical analysis of the data used is multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 25.0 program. The results show ed that economic growth affects the unemployment rate in West Java, while inflation does not affect it. The government must make the right policies and focus more on the stimulus for handling the pandemic going forward .

Violence among State House Candidates during the COVID‐19 Pandemic

Although there is an established comparative literature addressing electoral violence, and an emerging literature on violence against US officeholders, research has not examined levels of violence perpetrated by constituents against US candidates, nor how a crisis, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, including the political polarization connected to it, may affect violence. This note presents findings from a survey of state house candidates from 18 US states in the 2020 electoral cycle. The findings focus on psychological violence and suggest that it is a common occurrence, and that the COVID‐19 pandemic and polarization may have affected it. Specifically, most candidates reported that: they believe that the pandemic led to violence; those in states with larger increases in COVID‐19 cases and those running in states with higher levels of COVID‐19 public political events reported more violence. In addition, candidates running in more polarized states experienced more violence.

Comparative analysis of COVID-19 case fatality rate between two waves in Nepal.

The first COVID‐19 case in Nepal was reported on January 23, 2020. Then infection, then, started to spread gradually, and October marked the most devastating increase in COVID‐19 cases of the year 2020. Compared with the October 2020 peak in Nepal, the May 2021 peak of COVID‐19 observed 2‐ and 10‐fold rise in new cases and deaths per day, respectively. Given that this surprising increase in the death rate was not observed in other countries, this study analyzed the COVID‐19 case fatality rates between the two peaks in Nepal. We found an increase in death rates among younger adults and people without comorbidities.

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 tracks early interstate transmission of P.1 lineage and diversification within P.2 clade in Brazil.

The sharp increase of COVID-19 cases in late 2020 has made Brazil the new epicenter of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The novel viral lineages P.1 (Variant of Concern Gamma) and P.2, respectively identified in the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Rio de Janeiro, have been associated with potentially higher transmission rates and antibody neutralization escape. In this study, we performed the whole-genome sequencing of 185 samples isolated from three out of the five Brazilian regions, including Amazonas (North region), Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba and Bahia (Northeast region), and Rio de Janeiro (Southeast region) in order to monitor the spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Brazil in the first months of 2021. Here, we showed a widespread dispersal of P.1 and P.2 across Brazilian regions and, except for Amazonas, P.2 was the predominant lineage identified in the sampled states. We estimated the origin of P.2 lineage to have happened in February, 2020 and identified that it has differentiated into new clades. Interstate transmission of P.2 was detected since March, but reached its peak in December, 2020 and January, 2021. Transmission of P.1 was also high in December and its origin was inferred to have happened in August 2020. We also confirmed the presence of lineage P.7, recently described in the southernmost region of Brazil, to have spread across the Northeastern states. P.1, P.2 and P.7 are descended from the ancient B.1.1.28 strain, which co-dominated the first phase of the pandemic in Brazil with the B.1.1.33 strain. We also identified the occurrence of a new lineage descending from B.1.1.33 that convergently carries the E484K mutation, N.9. Indeed, the recurrent report of many novel SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in Brazil could be due to the absence of effective control measures resulting in high SARS-CoV2 transmission rates. Altogether, our findings provided a landscape of the critical state of SARS-CoV-2 across Brazil and confirm the need to sustain continuous sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 isolates worldwide in order to identify novel variants of interest and monitor for vaccine effectiveness.

LEGAL EXPLANATION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES RESTRICTIONS (PPKM) TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN INDRA MAKMU DISTRICT, EAST ACEH REGENCY

The implementation of restrictions on community activities, often called Micro PPKM, is carried out in a limited manner in several cities/districts with the aim of reducing the spread of Covid-19 to the village/gampong level and seeking to increase the community's economy slowly and gradually. Micro PPKM is regulated by the issuance of the Minister of Home Affairs Instruction Number 01 of 2021 on January 6 and is enforced from January 11-25 and extended until March 2021. Prior to PPKM Micro, PPKM has been implemented to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Meanwhile, Aceh Province applies restrictions on micro community activities (PPKM) for the period 6-19 April 2021. Micro community activity restrictions (PPKM) are implemented by considering areas that have high risk and become the epicenter of an increase in Covid-19 cases. Indra Makmu Sub-district, which is East Aceh Regency, has implemented a Micro PPKM policy so that the impact of the spread of Covid-19 does not expand which causes the decline in the economic sector and other multidimensional impacts..

Role of telemedicine network provided by pharmacies to detect acute myocardial infarction in patients with chest pain during coronavirus pandemia

Abstract Background During the lockdown period in Italy, from March 11th to May 4th 2020, a progressive increase in COVID-19 cases occurred in all Italian regions, in particular in the Lombardy Region. The current rise in COVID-19 cases has led to an increasing involvement of hospitals, in order to face the Coronavirus outbreak, shifting healthcare resources towards the management of COVID+ patients. This has led, on the other hand, to a progressive decrease in hospital admissions due to conditions not associated with SARS-CoV2 infection. During COVID-19 outbreak period, it has been observed a decrease in hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction. This phenomenon put in serious difficulty the clinical management of COVID-free patients with cardiovascular disease, at the beginning of phase 2 (starting from May 4 2020). Purpose In this scenario, we aimed to verify the impact of telemedicine during lockdown, in comparison with the same period in 2019. Materials and method We analyzed 12-lead ECGs recorded by 5000 country pharmacies, evaluated and stored in one telemedicine platform provided by Health Telematic Network (HTN), in cooperation with our Cardiology Department, Federfarma (Pharmacists' National Association), and Italian National Health Institute. Results During the lockdown period, were recorded 6,104 ECGs in territorial pharmacies, compared to 17,280 ECGs done in the same period in 2019. Chest pain symptom represented the cause of recording ECG in 298 patients (4.88%) during the lockdown period, compared to 402 patients (2.33%) in the same period in 2019, with an increase of 109.86%. In the Lombardy Region, during lockdown period, were reported 118 accesses to territorial pharmacies for chest pain (about 39.50% of total cases in Italy). Among these, 36 accesses were in the province of Brescia (about 30.50%), whereas 28 of them were in the province of Bergamo (about 23.73%). Among ECGs performed, 8 showed typical abnormalities of acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation (STEMI, 2.68%) in the lockdown period, compared to 7 STEMIs (1.74%) detected in the same period in 2019, with an increase of 54.17%. These patients were referred to Emergency Department (ED) suddenly, for the therapeutic intervention. Conclusion These data shown that a large number of patients with cardiovascular symptoms preferred to go to territorial pharmacies rather than hospitals during the COVID outbreak period. Telemedicine played a prominent role in managing patients with cardiovascular symptoms at home. Moreover, this service allowed patients with STEMI to access to the hospitals faster, avoiding the risks of a serious diagnostic delay. Furthermore, by analyzing the data of Lombardy Region, it was possible to show how a significant component of access to local pharmacies for chest pain occurred in the region most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): University of Brescia Number of ECGs recorded for chest painData recorded in Lombardy Region

Impact of telemedicine network provided by local pharmacies in the management of symptomatic tachyarrhytmias during COVID-19 outbreak

BackgroundDuring the lockdown in Italy, from March 11th to May 4th 2020, a progressive increase in COVID-19 cases occurred in all Italian regions, in particular in Lombardy. The current rise in COVID-19 cases has led to an increasing involvement of hospitals, in order to face the Coronavirus outbreak, shifting healthcare resources towards the management of COVID+ patients. This has led, on the other hand, to a progressive decrease in hospital admissions due to conditions not associated with SARS-CoV2 infection. In other European countries interested by a national lockdown, a decrease in registered new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) cases was observed. Undiagnosed AF patients can develop complications that could potentially translate into poorer long-term outcomes.PurposeIn this scenario, we aimed to verify the impact of telemedicine (TLM) during lockdown, in comparison with the same period in 2019.Materials and methodWe analyzed 12-lead ECGs recorded by 5000 country pharmacies, evaluated and stored in one TLM platform provided by Health Telematic Network (HTN), in cooperation with our Cardiology Department, Federfarma, and Italian National Health Institute.ResultsDuring the lockdown period in 2020, 6,104 ECGs were performed in territorial pharmacies, compared to 17,280 ECGs recorded in the same period in 2019. Among ECGs performed, we detected AF in 344 patients (5.64%) in lockdown period, compared to 393 cases (2.27%) detected in the same period in 2019, with an increase of 40.25%. We detected also Atrial Flutter in 32 patients (0.52%) in lockdown period, compared to 25 cases (0.14%) detected in the same period in 2019. The difference was +26.92%. Moreover, we found Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia in 8 patients (0.13%) during lockdown, compared to 6 cases (0.03%) detected in the same period in 2019, with an increase of 23.07%. In lockdown period, a total of 384 patients (6.29%) were referred to ED because of symptomatic tachyarrhythmia, compared to 424 patients (3.47%) referred to ED in the same period in 2019, with an increase of 55.16%. In the Lombardy Region, during lockdown, were reported 194 cases of tachyarrhythmia in territorial pharmacies (about 50.52% of all cases in Italy). Among these, 93 cases of tachyarrhythmia were in the Brescia area (about 47.94%), whereas 50 cases were in the Bergamo one (about 25.77%).ConclusionThese data shown that, during the COVID outbreak, a large number of patients with CV symptoms preferred to go to territorial pharmacies rather than the closer hospital. TLM played a prominent role in managing patients with CV symptoms at home. Moreover, this service allowed to refer to the hospital only patients with clinically relevant tachyarrhythmia, avoiding the risks of treatment delay. This once again underlines how TLM network provided by pharmacies may become an important tool offered to citizens, especially during coronavirus pandemic emergency, within the Italian National Health System.Funding AcknowledgementType of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): University of Brescia Accesses in ED for tachyarrhythmiasData provided in Lombardy region

Staffing and Protective Equipment Access Mitigated COVID-19 Penetration and Spread in US Nursing Homes During the Third Surge.

ObjectivesDuring the last quarter of 2020—despite improved distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and knowledge of COVID-19 management—nursing homes experienced the greatest increases in cases and deaths since the pandemic's beginning. We sought to update COVID-19 estimates of cases, hospitalization, and mortality and to evaluate the association of potentially modifiable facility-level infection control factors on odds and magnitude of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in nursing homes during the third surge of the pandemic.DesignCross-sectional analysis.Setting and ParticipantsFacility-level data from 13,156 US nursing home facilities.MethodsTwo series of multivariable logistic regression and generalized linear models to examine the association of infection control factors (personal protective equipment and staffing) on incidence and magnitude, respectively, of confirmed COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in nursing home residents reported in the last quarter of 2020.ResultsNursing homes experienced steep increases in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths during the final quarter of 2020. Four-fifths (80.51%; n = 10,592) of facilities reported at least 1 COVID-19 case, 49.44% (n = 6504) reported at least 1 hospitalization, and 49.76% (n = 6546) reported at least 1 death during this third surge. N95 mask shortages were associated with increased odds of at least 1 COVID-19 case [odds ratio (OR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.40] and hospitalization (1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.40), as well as larger numbers of hospitalizations (1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.20). Nursing aide shortages were associated with lower odds of at least 1 COVID-19 death (1.23, 95% CI 1.12-1.34) and higher hospitalizations (1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.17). The number of nursing hours per resident per day was largely insignificant across all outcomes. Of note, smaller (<50-bed) and midsized (50- to 150-bed) facilities had lower odds yet higher magnitude of all COVID outcomes. Bed occupancy rates >75% increased odds of experiencing a COVID-19 case (1.48, 95% CI 1.35-1.62) or death (1.25, 95% CI 1.17-1.34).Conclusions and ImplicationsAdequate staffing and PPE—along with reduced occupancy and smaller facilities—mitigate incidence and magnitude of COVID-19 cases and sequelae. Addressing shortcomings in these factors is critical to the prevention of infections and adverse health consequences of a next surge among vulnerable nursing home residents.

GAMBARAN PENERAPAN PROTOKOL KESEHATAN 3M DI MASYARAKAT PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 : LITERATURE REVIEW

At the end of 2019, the world was shocked by the new virus called the corona virus (COVID-19), this virus was first discovered in the Wuhan area, China. COVID-19 is an infectious disease that attacks the respiratory tract. Humans exposed to this virus usually experience mild to severe symptoms. The purpose of this literature study is to discuss how the 3M health protocols application . the method us the literature review. The literature consists of journals with a travel year from 2011 to 2021. Literature collection is done through google scholar using the keywords “3M health protocol”, “COVID-19 pandemic”, and “community”. The results of the literature search were 73 articles that were relevant to the keywords, as many as 60 articles were excluded because they were not relevant to the author’s criteria. Total 13 articles using inclusion and exclusion criteria were obtained 5 articles with good quality. Review results show that most people have not implemented 3M health protocols properly and correctly, this is one of the causes of the increase in COVID-19 cases.

Evaluating the Impact of Social Distancing on COVID-19 Spread in Vietnam by using Logistic Growth Curve Model

The regular increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths has resulted in a worldwide lockdown, quarantine and some restrictions. Due to the lack of a COVID-19 vaccine, it is critical for developing and least developed countries like Vietnam to investigate the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical treatments like social distance or national lockdown in preventing COVID-19 transmission. To address this need, the goal of this study was to develop a clear and reliable model for assessing the impact of social distancing on the spread of coronavirus in Vietnam. For the case study, the Logistic Growth Curve (LGC) model, also known as the Sigmoid model, was chosen to fit COVID-19 infection data from January 23, 2020 to April 30, 2020 in Vietnam. To determine the optimal set of LGC model parameters, we used the gradient descent technique. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that the LGC model accurately predicted COVID-19 community transmission cases over this time period, with very high correlation coefficient value r = 0.993. The results of this study imply that using social distancing technique to flatten the curve of coronavirus disease infections will help minimize the surge in active COVID-19 cases and the spread of COVID-19 infections. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium provided the original work is properly cited.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Iraqi Community: a descriptive study based on data reported from the Ministry of Health in Iraq.

Coronavirus is a new pandemic disease that has emerged in Wuhan, China, and then spreads around the world. The cases number of the COVID-19, which have been daily reported in Iraq, has risen slowly. However, no confirmed study has been undertaken to evaluate the situation of the COVID-19 in concerning the confirmed cases, death cases, and recovered. The current study is undertaken to describe and assess the COVID-19 of the present situation in Iraq out of the range of the confirmed, deaths and recovered cases from the date 21 February to 30 April 2020 in Iraq. The study findings have revealed that there is a gradual increase of COVID-19 cases onwards until the top peak in 7th Apr. in which the cases reach 684, then decrease regularly. The total infected people of the study scope is 2085 persons according to the Ministry of Health in Iraq, while the World Health Organization (WHO) states 2003 person. The spatial distribution quantile map showed the hot spots in the province of Babylon, Maysan, and Diyala. However, less was found in three provinces (Nineveh, Salahaddin, and Al Anbar). The result shows that 39% recovered and 3% death cases out of total infected people. COVID-19 in Iraq comes to be limited via the procedures of Iraqi government. However, the infected people will be increased gradually and many international reports that predict the end of this pandemic in the world will be doubtful as there are many vaccines developed and under development which led to reduce to effect of this pandemic.

Pandemic Severity, Policy Stringency, and Tourism Performance: A Global Analysis

This paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated policy effects on global tourism performance. Using daily data from 117 countries between January 23, 2020 and June 5, 2021, we applied a fixed-effects panel data model to investigate the impact and its moderators. Results show that COVID-19 cases had a significantly negative effect on tourism revenue and pricing. Specifically, a 10% increase in COVID-19 cases led to a 0.490%, 0.103%, and 0.388% decline in RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy change, respectively. Furthermore, degree of dependence on tourism, and economic support policies moderated this effect. Consequences related to revenue and demand were more remarkable for luxury tourism products than economic ones. Geographical and temporal heterogeneity were also noteworthy, and the impact of pandemic severity on revenue and demand was highly notable in certain periods, such as April and May 2020 and January to mid-March 2021. Lastly, implications are provided.

Comparison of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 2021 versus 2020 in Italy: surprises and implications.

Data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) emphasized by the media indicate that COVID-19 vaccination reduces related infections, hospitalizations and deaths. However, a comparison showed significantly more hospitalizations and intensive care unit accesses in the corresponding months and days in 2021 versus 2020and no significant differences in deaths. The combination of non-alternative hypotheses may help explain the discrepancy between the results in the entire population and the vaccination's success claimed by the ISS in reducing infections, serious cases and deaths: a bias: counting as unvaccinated also "those vaccinated with 1 dose in the two weeks following the inoculation", and as incompletely vaccinated also "those vaccinated with 2 doses within two weeks of the 2nd inoculation".a systematic error: counting as unvaccinated also "vaccinated with 1 dose in the two weeks following the inoculation", and as incompletely vaccinated also "vaccinated with 2 doses within two weeks of the 2nd inoculation". Many reports show an increase in COVID-19 cases in these time-windows, and related data should be separated levels of protective effectiveness in vaccinated people, often considered stable, actually show signs of progressive reduction over time, which could contribute to reducing the overall population resultunvaccinated people show more severe disease than in 2020, supporting also in humans the theory of imperfect vaccines, which offer less resistance to the entry of germs than the resistance later encountered inside the human body. This favors the selection of more resistant and virulent mutants, that can be spread by vaccinated people. This damages first the unvaccinated people, but ultimately the whole community. An open scientific debate is needed to discuss these hypotheses, following the available evidence (as well as to discuss the inconsistent theory of unvaccinated young people as reservoirs of viruses/mutants), to assess the long-term and community impact of different vaccination strategies.

Sosialisasi Kegiatan PPKM ( Pemberlakuan Kegiatan Pembatasan Masyarakat ) Ditingkat Desa Bersama Pemuda Karang Taruna

Until now the development of Covid-19 in Indonesia is still increasing in number. Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases, the government implemented various policies in the form of PSBB, lockdown, restrictions on a limited scale, social distancing, new normal, obeying health protocols, and other policies. The effectiveness of the PSBB in practice in the field will only be successful if every member of the community is willing to do so. Since the implementation of the Micro PPKM policy on February 9, 2021, active cases of COVID-19 have begun to be suppressed. In Gondosari Hamlet, Tamansari Village, the handling that has been carried out by the Village Government (Pemdes) and RT / RW is only limited to spraying disinfectants, starting from 1 week 1x, 1 month 1x, and currently 3 months 1x, socialization using loudspeakers regarding prevention the dangers of Covid-19. The method of activity used is the online and offline method which will be carried out by lecturers and students and students together with village youth organizations. Service activities in the form of Socialization of PPKM Activities (Enforcement of Community Restriction Activities) at the Village Level Together with Karang Taruna Youth in the form of providing education through leaflets and posters media are also accompanied by donations in the form of 100 masks, Service activities are part of efforts to increase public knowledge in terms of policy delivery and the Government's message regarding restrictions on activities in the community through PPKM, as well as about the dangers of covid-19 and prevention efforts that can be done, as well as providing masks to the community in the hope of increasing public awareness and as one of the steps to minimize the transmission of covid-19.

The diversity of edible plants traded in Ir. Soekarno Market, a traditional market in Sukoharjo District, Indonesia

Abstract. Deanova AK, Pristiawati CM, Aprilia D, Solikah I, Nurcahyati M, Liza N, Partasasmita R, Setyawan AD. 2021. Title. Biodiversitas 22: 4095-4105. Market is one of the most important economic sectors in a country. One type of market is a traditional market that is synonymous with squalid, overcrowded and slum conditions. However, traditional markets provide essential commodities that are relatively cheaper and fresher than modern markets. The purpose of this research was to record the diversity of species and varieties of edible plants traded in Ir. Soekarno Market, a traditional market in Sukoharjo District. Plant commodities observed were vegetables, spices, fruits, and staples sold by the sellers in this market. The method used in this research was qualitative based on the ethnobotany approach. Meanwhile, to collect primary data, several field techniques were used, namely direct observation such as market commodity surveys, trader observations, and trader interviews. The direct survey results showed that the edible plant commodities consisted of 105 plant species representing 28 families. The variations found included 9 types of rice, 4 types of onions, 7 types of bananas, and 9 types of beans. The decline in the number of traded commodities and the lack of visitors was due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Sukoharjo and disputes between traders and local government. Thus until recently, Ir. Soekarno Market, which was originally the main market full of visitors, became a market that was empty of visitors and traders.

Impact of COVID-19 on eating habits, sleeping behaviour and physical activity status of final-year medical students in Ankara, Turkey.

The massive increase in COVID-19 cases led to the implementation of nationwide lockdown in Turkey. While enforced lockdown is an effective strategy to abate the transmission of the virus, it causes significant lifestyle changes in every part of the community. This study aims to assess the changes in eating habits, sleeping behaviour and physical activity status of final-year medical students (interns) whose education was suspended during the pandemic. In this cross-sectional epidemiological study, an online questionnaire was created. Interns were asked questions regarding socio-demographic status, eating habits, sleeping behaviour and physical activity status before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in dietary habits and sleep quality were evaluated under the guidance of Turkey Dietary Guidelines, Determination of Nutritional Status Report, Turkey National Nutrition and Health Survey and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine - Ankara, Turkey. Among 536 students, a total of 340 students (63·4 %) answered the questionnaire. After the beginning of lockdown, an increase in BMI was observed in both female (P = 0·002) and male students (P = 0·013). Students having healthy dietary habits increased by 18·8 % and unhealthy dietary habits decreased by 3·2 % during lockdown (P < 0·001). Overall, 63·2 % of students reported a decrease in physical activity, and 33·6 % reported a reduction in sleep quality, whereas 38·6 % reported an improvement in sleep quality. There was no significant difference in sleep quality between genders (P = 0·075). This study indicated that medical school suspension and enforced lockdown led to significant changes in interns' eating behaviour, physical activity and sleeping habits.

Statistical Analysis of X-ray Images and Laboratory Studies of COVID-19 Patients

The large increase in COVID-19 cases that continue occurring in Mexico has generated the need to learn more about the damage caused by this virus, for which it has been proposed to carry out a statistical study of the 164 ray images database X and 29 laboratory studies provided by the Salamanca State Center for Critical Care (CECCS) of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and not COVID-19, the purpose is to analyze if there is any correlation between X-rays and laboratory studies. First, the entire database was organized by patient, both for X-ray and laboratory studies. Afterwards, the statistical process of the laboratory studies was carried out. Subsequently, we worked on the selection of patients with a greater number of X-rays, segment of these the area of the lungs, since it was our area of interest. In these radiographs, the statistical process of entropy and box-and-whisker plot is performed. Finally, the results of some laboratory studies are correlated with the entropy and box-and-whisker plot results.

Perceived barriers to physical activity during the 2nd lockdown in a northeastern state of Brazil.

BackgroundThe practice of physical activity has been recommended during the pandemic period of COVID-19 as a way of preventing the worsening of physical and mental health. After the increase in COVID-19 cases in Brazil and the new lockdown decrees, many people have reported that they are unable to engage in physical activity during the lockdown. AimsThe present study aimed to investigate the barriers to physical activity in the 2nd lockdown in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Methods1036 (55.6% women) residents of the state of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil participated in the study. For data collection, a questionnaire was used including sample characterization questions, physical activity, and barriers to physical activity during the 2nd lockdown in the state of Ceará. This instrument was made available by Google Forms, between March 8th and 19th, 2021. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis. ResultsThe three most relevant barriers were: Lack of motivation (7.3%), lack of space at home (5.9%) professional instructions (2.8%). The lack of space at home barrier was associated with age (OR = 2.56; CI 95% 1.05–6.02) and living in the capital (OR = 2.53; CI 95% 1.26–5.33). The barriers, taking care of children (OR = 3.75; CI 95% 1.37–10.2) and increased time spent on daily activities (OR = 2.20; CI 95% 1.02–4.74) were associated with living in the metropolitan region.ConclusionThe lack of motivation, space at home, and professional instruction showed as being limiting factors to physical activity during the lockdown, indicating plans of action aimed at encouraging the practice of physical activity during a pandemic period.

Did double lockdown strategy backfire? Cobra effect on containment strategy of COVID-19

Every citizen responds to governments' protocols when imposed during a time of crisis. Yet occasionally they counter-react in a way that is not intended by the government, contributing to the cobra effect. The Government of Tamil Nadu, India implemented the double lockdown protocol in the pursuit of restraining the spread of covid −19. Nevertheless, the protocol leads to unanticipated consequences on the spread of novel coronavirus. The thrust of the study is to demonstrate the unprecedented consequences of double lockdown on the growth rate of covid-19 cases, instead of flattening the curve and subsequently reveal the cobra effect on the containment strategy of covid-19. For this purpose, the study adopted an event study methodology to test the effect of the announcement of double lockdown on the spike rate of new covid-19 cases in Tamil Nadu, India. The findings of the longitudinal data analysis revealed a significant increase in covid-19 cases after the government announced a double lockdown. A deeper analysis to determine the factors influencing the abnormal rise in covid −19 cases (CAR) using regression analysis revealed a significant positive effect on population density and a negative impact on ICCC and HDI. Until now, no empirical research has evaluated the counter-effects of governments’ protocol in containing a pandemic disease, by adopting an event study approach. Also, this study is the first in the literature to test the theoretical predictions of the cobra effect of the adopted protocol.