Coronavirus Pandemic Research Articles

Mental health status and related factors influencing healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The mental health of healthcare workers during the coronavirus-2019 pandemic was seriously affected, and the risk of mental health problems was high. The present study sought to systematically evaluate the mental health problems of healthcare workers worldwide during the pandemic and to determine the latest global frequency of COVID-19 associated mental health problems. Data in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Elsevier, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and the Web of Science before November 11, 2022, were systematically searched. Cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies were included. The meta-analysis used a random effects model to synthesize the comprehensive prevalence rate of mental health problems. Subgroup analyses were performed based on time of data collection; whether the country was or was not developed; continent; doctors and nurses; doctors/nurses vs. other healthcare workers; and psychological evaluation scale. A total of 161 studies were included, including 341,014 healthcare workers worldwide, with women accounting for 82.8%. Occupationally, 16.2% of the healthcare workers were doctors, 63.6% were nurses and 13.3% were other medical staff. During the pandemic, 47% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35-60%) of healthcare workers reported job burnout, 38% (95% CI, 35-41%) experienced anxiety, 34% (95% CI 30-38%) reported depression, 30% (95% CI, 29-31%) had acute stress disorder, and 26% (95% CI, 21-31%) had post-traumatic stress disorder. The study found that there were common mental health problems among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common was job burnout, followed by anxiety, depression, acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the global pandemic has been brought under control, its long-term impact on the mental health of healthcare workers cannot be ignored. Additional research is required to develop measures to prevent, monitor and treat psychological disorders among healthcare workers.

Diagnostic Performance of Saliva Samples in Asymtomatic COVID-19 Infected Patients in Kakamega Kenya

The pandemic coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 in the world has caused a large infected population suffering from COVID‐19. To curb the spreading of the virus, WHO urgently demanded an extension of screening and testing; thus, a rapid and simple diagnostic method is needed which is non-invasive. Use of self-collected saliva can minimize healthcare worker exposure and expand testing capabilities for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The main aim of this study was to document the ability of patients to self-collect sufficient saliva specimens for SARS-CoV-2 in the quantitative detection by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in asymptomatic patients by themselves under observation by a healthcare provider. The researcher recorded whether the patients were confident and the suitability of the specimen for laboratory testing that would inform clinical decision making. Seventy-one patients aged from 13 years and above were included between December 2020 and July, 2021. Saliva samples and Nasopharyngeal samples were taken from each patient. Quantitative PCR was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the nasopharyngeal samples and qualitative Reverse Transcriptase Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was used to detect the presence of the virus in saliva samples. Results of saliva vs. nasopharyngeal samples testing using the two different methods were compared. Statistical analyses were performed. Out of the 350 samples tested, 314 samples were found to be Covid 19 positive. Result of the test was validated by the RT-PCR test. This showed that only 314 samples were tested both by saliva rapid test and PCR test while the rest 36 samples were not tested using RT-PCR method but were tested using saliva test. Thus, the salivary test based on pure oral saliva samples easily obtained by noninvasive techniques using RT-LAMP has the same agreement with the nasopharyngeal technique using RT-PCR one in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.

Why do ASEAN Countries, Japan and South Korea Join Both IPEF and RCEP

In recent years, the world economy has gradually emerged the phenomenon of anti-globalization, especially the trade frictions between China and the United States and since 2020. Since the beginning of the year, the global pandemic of the novel coronavirus has caused a serious blow to the world's economic system, especially the transnational trade, which has almost completely stopped due to Covid-19, and the trade friction between China and the United States has not changed. This paper takes the post-epidemic era and the Sino-US trade war as the background of the great era, and from the perspective of ASEAN countries, Japan, and South Korea, through SWOT analysis and other methods, studies how these countries seize the current opportunities, especially those from. The opportunities of IPEF and RCEP take the lead in realizing the economic recovery after the epidemic.

Resilience and Responsiveness in Logistics Industry during Disruptive Events: A Case Study on the Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Understanding operational resilience during disruptive events is critical in the dynamic global logistics field. This qualitative study explores the challenges faced by a logistics company during the COVID-19 pandemic based on surveys and interviews with twelve logistics management experts. A thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes regarding logistics disruptions and response strategies. The data revealed internal disruptions such as delays in pickup or delivery, inaccurate delivery information, and communication challenges with drivers. External disruptions include supply-demand imbalances, freight rate volatility, port congestion, and unexpected supplier shutdowns. Strategies to enhance logistics resilience are discussed, emphasizing strategic decision-making, robust leadership, digitalization for improved communication and supply chain visibility, and agility in adapting to change. These findings provide a thorough understanding of logistics disruptions and offer practical recommendations for professionals to navigate challenges and strengthen their logistics operations.

Uzaktan Eğitimde Sanat Atölyesi Kavramına İlişkin Sanat Eğitimcisi ve Öğrencilerin Metaforik Bakış Açıları

As old as the history of humanity, art has been practiced in various places throughout the ages. The concept of art studio, which is generally associated with artistic activities, is also associated with many craft branches. Woodworking and carpentry, blacksmithing, pottery, carpet making, etc. professions are also practiced in studios. Art educators and students using art studios in education have had to leave these spaces during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The transition to distance education after the pandemic has left the art studios empty. This abandonment undoubtedly caused transformations in their perceptions. The main subject of this research is the metaphors produced about the concept of art workshop in distance education. This research aims to reveal the metaphorical perspectives of higher education art educators and students about the concept of 'art studio' in distance education. Metaphor analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in conducting this research. It is seen that art educators and students created a total of 27 types of metaphors under seven categories for the concept of art studio. The metaphors that the participants stated the most were listed as house, life, kitchen, factory, and pal. It can be suggested that similar studies can be conducted with younger age groups of students studying at different educational levels.

Civil society in Brazilian urban peripheries during the early COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The pandemic of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has exposed the face of inequality in several countries. Populations historically suffering from social, economic and political problems that affect their well-being are the most impacted, as is the case of Brazilian peripheries. From this background, we discuss the mobilization of Brazilian civil society in urban peripheries in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, through the combination of the concepts of framing, identity and solidarity. To do that, we analyzed data from the Map Corona in the Peripheries and a netnography of the cases from the Unified Center of Favelas (CUFA) and the Front City of God (CDD). As results, we present a model of recursiveness among the three concepts, as a driver of collective action, and notice the relevant role of the emergency brought by the pandemic as a trigger of this recursiveness.

Tissue engineering application on coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic: A review

Background: The use of biomaterials in diagnosing and treating COVID-19 has been investigated in various forms and origins, including natural and synthetic materials. The development of rapid and highly sensitive biosensors based on field-effect transistors and the creation of antiviral platforms, vaccines, and nanomaterials have been the focus of most research on the application of biomaterials. Tissue engineering encompasses the study of tissue development, behavior, and growth factors that are more readily supported in the medical setting. This paper reviews the roles of biomaterials, tissue engineering, drug delivery, microfluidics, and 3D printing technologies in urgently responding to pandemics like COVID-19. In addition, this research covers a broad area of vaccines and treatments, reviewing the most promising candidate drugs and vaccines that have entered clinical trials to date. These engineering methods focus on biomaterials, drug delivery systems, and replacing damaged tissues and organs. Some biodegradable biomaterials, such as chitosan, mesoporous silica rods, and PLGA nanoparticles, have been utilized as vaccine platforms and can be employed in developing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Notably, the proposed platform's size, shape, and other physicochemical characteristics should be carefully planned to achieve the desired effects on the immune system. Conclusion: Tissue engineers possess unique tools that can significantly advance our understanding of viral illnesses and aid in creating diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. Future research on COVID-19 infection and drug testing will benefit significantly from developing organ-on-a-chip technologies. Developing innovative biomaterial-based techniques for preventing, treating, and monitoring COVID-19 requires collaboration across multiple disciplines.

Individuals’ perceptions of reciprocal relationship maintenance in their marriage and its impact on communal orientation, relational load, and ability to flourish

Abstract This study investigates individuals’ perceptions of reciprocal relationship maintenance in their marriage over time during the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). Using a Qualtrics Panel, married individuals (N = 3,601) completed online surveys at four time points during the initial 3 months of the pandemic. Both the between- and within-person effects were consistent with the theory of resilience and relational load. On average, married individuals who reported giving greater relationship maintenance to their partners also reported receiving greater relationship maintenance from them, as well as reported greater communal orientation and flourishing and lower relational load. Giving relationship maintenance to one’s partner was a stronger predictor of receiving maintenance than the reverse, even though both influenced each other. Giving relationship maintenance to one’s partner was also a stronger and more consistent predictor of communal orientation, relational load, and flourishing than maintenance received. Finally, relational load in one’s marriage was the strongest predictor of flourishing.

Genome-wide bioinformatics analysis of human protease capacity for proteolytic cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily enters the cell by binding the virus's spike (S) glycoprotein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor on the cell surface, followed by proteolytic cleavage by host proteases. Studies have identified furin and transmembrane protease serine 2 proteases in priming and triggering cleavages of the S glycoprotein, converting it into a fusion-competent form and initiating membrane fusion, respectively. Alternatively, SARS-CoV-2 can enter the cell through the endocytic pathway, where activation is triggered by lysosomal cathepsin L. However, other proteases are also suspected to be involved in both entry routes. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide bioinformatics analysis to explore the capacity of human proteases in hydrolyzing peptide bonds of the S glycoprotein. Predictive models of sequence specificity for 169 human proteases were constructed and applied to the S glycoprotein together with the method for predicting structural susceptibility to proteolysis of protein regions. After validating our approach on extensively studied S2' and S1/S2 cleavage sites, we applied our method to each peptide bond of the S glycoprotein across all 169 proteases. Our results indicate that various members of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type, type II transmembrane family serine protease, and kallikrein families, as well as specific coagulation factors, are capable of cleaving S2' or S1/S2 sites. We have also identified a potential cleavage site of cathepsin L at the K790 position within the S2' loop. Structural analysis suggests that cleavage of this site induces conformational changes similar to the cleavage at the R815 (S2') position, leading to the exposure of the fusion peptide and subsequent fusion with the membrane. Other potential cleavage sites and the influence of mutations in common SARS-CoV-2 variants on proteolytic efficiency are discussed.IMPORTANCEThe entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) into the cell, activated by host proteases, is considerably more complex in coronaviruses than in most other viruses and is not fully understood. There is evidence that other proteases beyond the known furin and transmembrane protease serine 2 can activate the spike protein. Another example of uncertainty is the cleavage site for the alternative endocytic route of SARS-CoV-2 entrance, which is still unknown. Bioinformatics methods, modeling protease specificity and estimating the structural susceptibility of protein regions to proteolysis, can aid in studying this topic by predicting the involved proteases and their cleavage sites, thereby substantially reducing the amount of experimental work. Elucidating the mechanisms of spike protein activation is crucial for preventing possible future coronavirus pandemics and developing antiviral drugs.

Video-Based Physical Exercise Effects on Young Adults in Social Isolation During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of video-based exercises on the physical activity levels of individuals between the ages of 18-40 in social isolation to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: 64 volunteers participated as the control and 64 study groups were divided randomly and equally into two groups, the video-based exercise group (VEG) and the control group (CG). The video-based exercise group was included in an exercise program for 20 minutes, 7 days a week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form) (IPAQ-SF). Secondary outcome measures were the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), sit and reach test, shoulder flexibility test, squat test, plank test, lateral bridge test (LBT), crunch test and single leg stance test (SLST). Tests were applied to the groups at the beginning and the end of the study. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in all parameters in the study group before and after the application (p<0.05). According to the intergroup comparisons, there was a statistically significant increase between the groups in IPAQ-SF, Sit and Reach Test, Push Up Test, Plank Test, LBT, and SLST Tests; there was a statistically significant decrease between the groups in DTS, BAI, PSQI, and NHP scores (except for pain and social isolation scores) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings will shed light on the management of the physiotherapy and rehabilitation process by contributing to the increasing evidence in the literature on the effectiveness of video-based exercises and improving health-related multifaceted parameters in various post-pandemic situations where access to health services and preventive rehabilitation is restricted.

Utilization of discarded face masks in combination with recycled concrete aggregate and silica fume for sustainable civil construction projects

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has not only had a severe impact on global health but also poses a threat to the environment. This research aims to explore an innovative approach to address the issue of increased waste generated by the pandemic. Specifically, the study investigates the utilization of discarded face masks in combination with recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and Silica Fume (SFM) in civil construction projects. The disposable face masks were processed by removing the ear loops and nose strips, and then cutting them into small fibers measuring 20 mm in length, 5 mm in width, and 0.46 mm in thickness, resulting in an aspect ratio of 24. Various proportions of SFM and RCA were incorporated into the concrete mix, with a focus on evaluating the compressive strength, split tensile strength, and durability of the resulting material. The findings indicate that the addition of SFM led to improvements in both compressive and split tensile strength, while no significant impact on durability was observed.

Continuity and discontinuity of rituals: Covid-19 pandemic in Southern Africa

The onset of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in late 2019 gave way to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic that changed the world. These changes impacted many spheres of ritualised social life, including burial, funerary and cultural rituals, and rites of passage. In this article, we focus on the reorganisation of life and the reimagining of rituals arising from the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to ancestral veneration in Cacadu and Queenstown (Eastern Cape, South Africa), burial practices amongst Basotho (Lesotho), state funerals in Lusaka (Zambia), funerary and mortuary practice generally in South Africa, and everyday cultural practices of care in Eldorado Park (Gauteng, South Africa). In these sites, lockdown regulations saw ritual, burial and funerary practices carried out in novel, uncanny ways that unsettled communal support systems and obligations. This included the slaughtering of animals, or lack thereof, and changes in customary mourning practices at both communal and state level. In extrapolating the above, this article relies on ethnographic data gathered by way of in-depth interviews, participant observation and auto-ethnography, to explore and discuss how the pandemic has changed and (re)shaped burial, ritual and funerary practices in Southern Africa.

New vocabulary during the Coronavirus Pandemic in French

New vocabulary during the Coronavirus Pandemic in French

Evaluation of The Quality of E-Learning Platforms Used in Educating Kindergarten Children Distantly During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Evaluation of The Quality of E-Learning Platforms Used in Educating Kindergarten Children Distantly During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Качество жизни детей и подростков с онкогематологическими заболеваниями в период пандемии COVID‑19

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is affecting the somatic and mental health of populations across the planet. Patients with cancer form a risk group with severe complications of COVID-19. The objective of the study was to examine the quality of life of children and adolescents after completion of antitumor therapy in a pandemic setting. Materials and methods. Specialists from of the clinical and rehabilitation scientific center “Russkoye pole” of the Dmitri Rogachev National Medical Research Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology conducted a comparative analysis of the results of testing patients and their parents according to the PedsQL™4.0 questionnaires. Results. Patients hospitalized in 2021 have lower physical functioning parameters (63.62) than patients hospitalized before the pandemic in the first half of 2019 (70.89), p < 0.001. Parents reported significantly more positive attitudes towards quality of life assessments during the pandemic compared to those made by children. Conclusion. Differences in quality of life scores between patients in remission of oncohematological diseases before the pandemic and in the pandemic setting based on both children's and parents' assessments have been identified, which may be due to the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on some aspects of child and adolescent functioning. Key words: quality of life, oncohematological diseases, COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, children

915 Health Inequity Observed in Demographic Correlations with Pregnancy-Associated Hypertensive Morbidity During the Coronavirus Pandemic

915 Health Inequity Observed in Demographic Correlations with Pregnancy-Associated Hypertensive Morbidity During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Use of Social Media in Orthopaedic Surgery Training and Practice: A Systematic Review.

Social media use has grown across healthcare delivery and practice, with dramatic changes occurring in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review to determine the current landscape of social media use by (1) orthopaedic surgery residencies/fellowship training programs and (2) individual orthopaedic surgeons and the change in use over time. We searched 3 electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase) from their inception to April 2022 for all studies that analyzed the use of social media in orthopaedic surgery. Two reviewers independently determined study eligibility, rated study quality, and extracted data. Methodology was in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Twenty-eight studies were included, of which 11 analyzed social media use by orthopaedic surgery residency and fellowship training programs and 17 examined its use by individual orthopaedic surgeons. Among residency and fellowship programs, Instagram was identified as the most common platform used, with 42% to 88% of programs reporting program-specific Instagram accounts, followed by Twitter/X (20%-52%) and Facebook (10%-38%). Social media was most commonly used by programs for recruitment and information dissemination to prospective residency applicants (82% and 73% of included studies, respectively). After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 620% and 177% increase in the number of training programs with Instagram and Twitter/X accounts, respectively. Individual use of social media ranged from 1.7% to 76% (Twitter/X), 10% to 73% (Facebook), 0% to 61% (Instagram), 22% to 61% (LinkedIn), and 6.5% to 56% (YouTube). Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook are the premier platforms that patients, residency applicants, and institutions frequent. With the continued growth of social media use anticipated, it will be critical for institutions and individuals to create and abide by guidelines outlining respectful and professional integration of social media into practice. Level IV.

English-Speaking Latinas Like Selena: A National Study of Latina Adolescent Intimate Partner Physical Violence during COVID

Abstract: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies Intimate Partner Physical Violence (IPPV) as a significant public health crisis for U.S. adolescents. During their lifetime, about 1 in 3 Latinas are affected. What has been understudied is the impact of IPPV on Latinx adolescents with data collected during the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To address this gap in the literature, this paper analyzes the CDC’s Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES) data, as well as LatCrit theory and intersectionality as theoretical frameworks to interrogate the relative impact of key demographics, sexual behavior, and non-sexual risky behaviors on IPPV. In addition to analyzing data for the entire sample of Latinx students (n=1510), significant findings from the use of hierarchical logistic regressions indicate that girls who are not proficient in English (not boys), whose partners carry a gun, and who do not wear a seatbelt have a greater risk of ever experiencing IPPV.

The Effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Gender and Medical School Diversity in Gastroenterology Fellowship Matching

Background and AimsThe COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the medical field, including the gastroenterology (GI) fellowship application process. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on GI fellowship applications, with a focus on applicants' gender and medical school training type. MethodsData from the GI match results for 2018-2022 were collected, including the number and percentage of matched applicants per year, categorized by gender, U.S. medical graduates (USMDs), international medical graduates (IMGs), and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate trends and changes in matching rates, both before and during the pandemic. ResultsThere was a significant increase in the number of females matching into GI fellowships over the five-year period. DOs also witnessed a significant increase in matching rates during the COVID-19-impacted years (2021-2022). However, no significant changes were observed for USMDs and IMGs. ConclusionThe study highlights positive trends in gender and DO representation in GI fellowships. Despite these improvements, gender disparities persist, necessitating continued efforts to promote diversity and equity in the field. Additionally, challenges for IMGs remain, requiring attention to structural barriers. The long-term effects of the pandemic on fellowship matching and diversity warrant further investigation to inform future policies and practices in GI training programs.

Assessing The Extended Economic Cost of Corona Virus Pandemic on The Oil Industry in Nigerian: A Qualitative Enquiry

Assessing The Extended Economic Cost of Corona Virus Pandemic on The Oil Industry in Nigerian: A Qualitative Enquiry