Pandemic-related Restrictions Research Articles

An Account of Humor in Covid-19 Internet Memes from the Perspective of Cognitive Relevance: A Contrastive Case Study

: In response to Covid-19 pandemic, online humor proliferated across social media platforms as a vital coping mechanism in dealing with the unendurable pandemic-related restrictions through creating a sense of bonding in the face of this calamity regardless of geographical area, nationality, ethnicity, or socio-political affiliations. This research is a cross-lingual case study of internet screenshot memes on Covid-19 in both Arabic and English languages. It explores differences and/or similarities in establishing cognitive relevance and instigating humorous incongruity. The paper uses a three-dimensional theoretical framework that integrates Relevance Theory (RT), as a communication theory in the field of cognitive cyber-pragmatics, with the theories of Intertextuality and Incongruity in humor. Qualitative descriptive analysis revealed a consensus to regard the mass reaction to the pandemic as exaggerated, to use an interplay of intertextuality and incongruity to achieve the rhetorical purpose of critically satirizing such reactions by instigating laughter at one’s silliness. The analysis demonstrated that humorous incongruity springs from the opposing scripts between the content of IMs and the social context surrounding the pandemic as well as a marked similarity in the sources used for establishing cognitive relevance such as background knowledge and logical and lexical information reflecting RT principles.

Novel Strategy to Assess the Neurotoxicity of Organic Solvents Such as Glycol Ethers: Protocol for Combining In Vitro and In Silico Methods With Human-Controlled Exposure Experiments.

Chemicals are not required to be tested systematically for their neurotoxic potency, although they may contribute to the development of several neurological diseases. The absence of systematic testing may be partially explained by the current Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test Guidelines, which rely on animal experiments that are expensive, laborious, and ethically debatable. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks to exposed workers and the general population exposed to domestic products. In this study, we propose a strategy to test the neurotoxicity of solvents using the commonly used glycol ethers as a case study. This study aims to provide a strategy that can be used by regulatory agencies and industries to rank solvents according to their neurotoxicity and demonstrate the use of toxicokinetic modeling to predict air concentrations of solvents that are below the no observed adverse effect concentrations (NOAECs) for human neurotoxicity determined in in vitro assays. The proposed strategy focuses on a complex 3D in vitro brain model (BrainSpheres) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). This model is accompanied by in vivo, in vitro, and in silico models for the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and in vitro models for liver metabolism. The data are integrated into a toxicokinetic model. Internal concentrations predicted using this toxicokinetic model are compared with the results from in vivo human-controlled exposure experiments for model validation. The toxicokinetic model is then used in reverse dosimetry to predict air concentrations, leading to brain concentrations lower than the NOAECs determined in the hiPSC-derived 3D brain model. These predictions will contribute to the protection of exposed workers and the general population with domestic exposures. The Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology funded the project, commencing in January 2021. The Human Ethics Committee approval was obtained on November 16, 2022. Zebrafish experiments and in vitro methods started in February 2021, whereas recruitment of human volunteers started in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions were lifted. We anticipate that we will be able to provide a neurotoxicity testing strategy by 2026 and predicted air concentrations for 6 commonly used propylene glycol ethers based on toxicokinetic models incorporating liver metabolism, BBB leakage parameters, and brain toxicity. This study will be of great interest to regulatory agencies and chemical industries needing and seeking novel solutions to develop human chemical risk assessments. It will contribute to protecting human health from the deleterious effects of environmental chemicals. DERR1-10.2196/50300.

The use of technology to address loneliness and social isolation among older adults: the role of social care providers

BackgroundAddressing loneliness and social isolation among older adults remains a public health priority. The restrictions enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic simultaneously heightened the need for services to overcome social isolation and reduce loneliness among older adults, while also limiting social care providers’ ability to deliver these. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of social care providers in using technology to address loneliness and social isolation among older adults during the pandemic.MethodsThis was a mixed methods study involving an online survey and interviews with providers of older adult social care in Wales, UK. Invitations to participate were sent to commissioners and providers of adult social care services, including those working in the voluntary and community sectors, across all local authorities in Wales. Data was collected between September 2021 and January 2022.ResultsSixty-one service providers completed the survey, 19 of whom also took part in an interview. Addressing loneliness and isolation among older adults was reported as a key concern by nearly all survey respondents. While telephone calls were the most common means of facilitating social interaction, many service providers also tried to support older adults to make more use of devices that they already had (e.g., smartphones to hold video calls). Where funding was available, organisations purchased devices, such as tablets and smart speakers, for older adults. Analysis of interviews resulted in three themes: (1) The potential and limitations of technology; (2) Individuals’ capabilities, confidence, motivations and values; and (3) The wider system.ConclusionsTechnology was employed in a variety of ways during the pandemic to address loneliness and social isolation among older adults; many service providers continue to use technology in a hybrid system of care now that pandemic-related social restrictions have been lifted. Our findings emphasise a need for technology-assisted interventions to be designed and deployed in alignment with service users’ values, motivations and capabilities. Further, there is a need to better support service providers to assess loneliness and social isolation among older adults, and to acknowledge the important role providers play in helping older adults to adopt technology-assisted interventions.

Women’s experiences of early pregnancy loss services during the pandemic: A qualitative investigation

ProblemEarly pregnancy losses [EPL] are common, varied, and require different courses of management and care. BackgroundIn the UK, women who suspect or suffer a pregnancy loss are usually provided specialist care in early pregnancy assessment units [EPAUs]. Their configuration has recently been evaluated, but recommendations for change in-line with best practice for optimum outcomes were unable to be implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic health system shock. AimTo compare women’s experiences of EPAUs during the pandemic to themes previously found in qualitative work undertaken with women who utilised EPAUs before the pandemic. MethodsWe conducted semi-structured virtual interviews, with women (N = 32) who suffered an early pregnancy loss during the pandemic; analysing transcripts using Template Analysis, based on findings about women’s (pre-pandemic) experiences of EPAU from The VESPA Study. FindingsWe report on seven key themes: Barriers to Accessing Services; Communication & Information; Retention of Relational Care; Involvement in Care Decisions; Staffs’ Attitude or Approach; Efficiency of Service Delivery; Sensitive Patient Management. DiscussionSensitive patient management and woman-staff interactions in EPAU settings remain a fundamental issue. Women also reported their experiences of EPAUs were comparatively worse during the pandemic. ConclusionsWomen valued the care provided by EPAUs and found services to be efficient, despite pandemic-related restrictions. However, psychological recognition surrounding EPL and appropriate, sensitive, relational care and support continue to be areas in need of improvement. Our recommendation is to implement the improvements suggested by VESPA as a priority to ameliorate present sub-optimal experiences and prevent further deterioration.

Moving Together, Apart: Impacts of Travel Restrictions on a UK-Egypt Collaboration in Health Profession Education.

University College London (UCL) and Newgiza University (NGU) have been in an academic collaboration since 2016 to establish undergraduate healthcare programmes in Egypt with an underlying ethos of capacity building and co-development. We explored impacts of pandemic-related travel restrictions on staff across both organisations. We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with academic and professional services staff from UCL and NGU schools of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Data were jointly coded using reflexive thematic analysis and categorised according to the American Council on Education's Comprehensive Internationalisation Framework. Nine themes were identified, which related to each of the six components of the framework. In addition to mobility, participants' experiences also spread across the other five components (institutional commitment, leadership, curriculum, faculty support, and partnerships). Successful adaptations were made and staff felt able to 'keep the show on the road'. However, staff remained keen to keep in-person engagement a priority when possible, especially for quality management site visits. Travel restrictions can have widespread impacts on all aspects of international collaborations. In this well-established relationship, there was sufficient resilience to withstand these impacts and, many positive unintended consequences emerged. A hybrid engagement model should be prioritised in future partnerships.

Análise comparativa das respostas ao estresse em cães e gatos durante a pandemia de covid-19: foco no cortisol, nos leucócitos totais, nos eosinófilos e nas alterações comportamentais

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in unprecedented changes in the lives of humans and their companion animals, impacting their daily routines, social interactions, and stress levels. This study investigates the effect of pandemic-related restrictions, including limited time outside and changes in owner habits, on the stress indicators of 34 dogs and 29 cats. Cortisol levels, total leukocyte counts, eosinophil counts, and behavioral changes have been analyzed to assess how these species are differentially affected by the altered environment and human interactions during the pandemic. The study revealed important behavioral changes in cats while the biochemical and hematological parameters were considerably affected in dogs. Our findings shed light on the unique stress experiences of dogs and cats and underscore the importance of considering individualized strategies for managing their well-being during extraordinary circumstances.

The Interruption of Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction due to COVID-19 Restrictions: Association With Return-to-Sport Testing.

Among many unanticipated changes, access to rehabilitation was disrupted during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear how the timing of late-stage rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament with surgical reconstruction (ACLR) during the initial months of the pandemic affected outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare physical performance outcome measures in patients following ACLR prior to and following COVID-19-related restrictions. Retrospective cohort study. Data from patients who underwent return-to-sport testing following ACLR were analyzed based on date. December 2018 through March of 2020 (n = 66) was defined as the baseline period, and June through October 2020 (n = 27) was defined as the surveillance period. Outcome measures included single leg hop, triple hop, single leg vertical jump, and the lower-extremity functional test(LEFT). Linear mixed models were used to compare outcome measures before and after the onset of pandemic-related restrictions, clustered by sex and sport. A 1-way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the association between the number of virtual rehabilitation visits and outcome measures for subjects in the surveillance period. Subjects in the surveillance period performed significantly worse in the LEFT (+7.88s; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 14.66; P = .02) and single leg vertical jump on the unaffected side (-4.32cm; 95% confidence interval, -7.44 to -1.19, P < .01), and performed better with single leg vertical jump symmetry (+6.3%; 95% confidence interval, 1.0% to 11.5%; P = .02). There were no other statistically significant differences. There was no significant association between having virtual rehabilitation visits and any of the performance outcomes. There was a decline in physical performance outcome measures in patients following ACLR who did not attend regular in-person physical therapy sessions in the late-stage rehabilitation due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Other factors during this unique time period, such as access to training facilities or psychosocial stressors, may have also influenced outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of rademikibart (CBP-201), a next-generation mAb targeting IL-4Rα, in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: A phase 2 randomized trial (CBP-201-WW001)

Rademikibart (CBP-201) is a next-generation IL-4 receptor alpha-targeting antibody. We sought to evaluate rademikibart in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. A total of 226 patients were randomized, double-blind, to subcutaneous rademikibart (300 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W], 150 mg Q2W, 300 mg every 4 weeks [Q4W]; plus 600-mg loading dose) or placebo. Randomization began in July 2020. The trial was completed in October 2021. The WW001 phase 2 trial achieved its primary end point: significant percent reduction from baseline in least-squares mean Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) to week 16 with rademikibart 300 mg Q2W (-63.0%; P= .0007), 150 mg Q2W (-57.6%; P= .0067), 300 mg Q4W (-63.5%; P= .0004) versus placebo (-39.7%). EASI scores decreased significantly with 300 mg Q2W and Q4W at the earliest assessment (week 2), with no evidence of plateauing by week 16. Significant improvements were also observed in secondary end points, including pruritus. Across the primary and secondary end points, efficacy tended to be comparable with 300 mg Q2W and Q4W dosing. Rademikibart and placebo had similar, low incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (48% vs 54%), serious TEAEs (1.8% vs 3.6%), TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation (1.2% vs 1.8%), conjunctivitis of unspecified cause (2.9% vs 0%), herpes (0.6% vs 1.8%), and injection-site reactions (1.8% vs 1.8%). Although no discontinuations were attributed to coronavirus disease 2019, pandemic-related restrictions likely had an impact on trial conduct. Rademikibart was efficacious and well tolerated at Q2W and Q4W intervals. Q4W dosing is a more convenient frequency than approved for current therapies.

Can tourists get used to the threat? A comparative study of tourists' behavioral intention during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a model depicting the relationship between the behavioral intention of tourists in the conditions prevailing during a pandemic and other variables.Design/methodology/approachIn constructing the research procedure, two measurements of tourist behavioral intention were taken into account, which were taken far apart in time. In verifying the developed model, the results of surveys of 1,615 people carried out in June 2021 and 917 people carried out in December 2021 were considered.FindingsAs a result of the habituation process, tourists show greater acceptance of the restrictions.Practical implicationsInformation on the basis of which companies make management decisions plays a significant role in the creation of company value. In the tourism sector, the information concerns primarily consumer behavior.Originality/valueChanges over time in risk perception, health protection motivation, and reactance due to perceived pandemic-related restrictions were taken into account in the context of behavioral intention towards tourism.

SELF-PERCEIVED COGNITIVE CHANGES IN OLDER BLACK ADULTS DURING COVID-19

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has had myriad effects on health and well-being. Contracting the COVID-19 virus and concerns of social and physical consequences during pandemic-related restrictions have been proven to negatively impact health. To better understand possible effects of COVID-19 on Black community-dwelling older adults’ perceived cognitive changes, we conducted a pilot study with 48 community-dwelling African Americans with measures obtained over 24 months from 10/2020 to 10/2022. Participants were recruited from the Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology Healthier Black Elders Center, and Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and the general Detroit Area (Mage=73.07, Range=65-87 years). The Cognitive Change Index (CCI) was used as a self-report measure of perceived change over the last five years. The COVID Impact Survey (CIS) was used to assess the burden of COVID-19 on daily living. To evaluate emotional-being, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS responses referred to the last month) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS, within the last week) were administered. Stepwise regression models showed CIS outcome measures did not predict CCI. GDS outcome measures predicted CCI to some degree (R2adj = .15, p = .008), whereas PSS was the strongest predictor (R2adj = .50, p &amp;lt; .001). Results suggest that for older community-dwelling African Americans, past COVID-19 pandemic experiences did not affect their self-evaluated cognitive changes. Higher levels of self-perceived stress within the last month best predicted their subjective cognitive decline. Future research should involve interventions focused on stress reduction, and clinicians should consider stress level when diagnosing cognitive status in older adults.

Establishing sustainable collaborations in global pathology education.

Graduate-level pathology education is under-resourced in low/middle-income countries (LMIC) and provides a unique opportunity for building sustainable collaborations. By focusing on a bi-directional educational exchange through graduate medical training in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PALM), global collaborations can extend to research and scholarship efforts. There are few PALM-based graduate medical programs in high-income countries (HIC) that offer this type of global educational exchange, and the few that exist have been mitigated by pandemic-related travel restrictions. Nonetheless, re-investing in these types of exchanges will allow for new opportunity in global pathology education and research for the next generation of trainees. Drawing on the author's own experience in South Africa and Guatemala, five essential elements to establish a sustainable educational collaboration will be discussed: sustained effort and communication between partners of HIC and LMIC, involvement of key stakeholders, educational curriculum involving community engagement and cultural competency, bi-directional exchange between partners, and dedicated time and funding.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING ACROSS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG OLDER PEOPLE IN ENGLAND

Abstract Numerous studies have identified declines in mental health and psychosocial wellbeing over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world and in different age groups, including older people. A key question for researchers, health practitioners, and policymakers alike is whether the influence of the pandemic on these outcomes is temporary or more long-lasting. The lived experience of the pandemic, such as lockdowns, likely played a role in shaping mental health and wellbeing, but recovery is not always immediate following the removal of such negative stimuli. Our recent work using the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) identified that depression, anxiety, and quality of life demonstrated statistically significant worsening trajectories between ELSA Wave 9 (2018/19) and through two assessments during the pandemic, i.e. June/July and Nov/Dec 2020. Because depression and anxiety are also common neuropsychiatric symptoms among people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, we also examined differences according to cognitive function, finding a convergence among cognitive function groups in the risk for poor mental health through the pandemic. This paper expands on this work to incorporate ELSA Wave 10, the first survey assessment after the easing of key pandemic-related restrictions and health crisis measures, to assess how older people are faring since the acute phase of the pandemic in terms of mental health and wellbeing. It highlights key subgroup dynamics, including cognitive function group, that are associated with patterns of recovery in mental health and wellbeing to pre-pandemic levels and those linked to more long-lasting adverse experiences.

Social aspects of exercising physical activity by young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: To counter the COVIC-19 pandemic, many governments have introduced social distancing measures. While these restrictions have helped contain the virus, they have had an adverse impact on the mental and physical health of individuals, especially children and young people. Material and Methods: The aim of this work is to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on practising physical activity by students. The research was conducted in October 2020 on students of three universities in Rzeszów. CAWI technique was used for this purpose. In general, 511 respondents took part in the study, but 492 respondents gave full answers. The survey was comprised of 24 questions and included both closed questions (single and multiple choice). Results: Large majority of respondents felt the need to undertake and practise physical activity on a regular basis. The study demonstrates, for instance, whether the study group meets the requirements set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for young people with regard to physical activity. The data gathered demonstrated that the students’ physical activity levels decreased as a result of the pandemic. According to own research, less than 70% of students meet the WHO’s requirements regarding practising physical activity, that is minimum 30 minutes throughout a day, and the pandemic affected the way they practise it with regard to 2/3 of the respondents (61.38%). Conclusion: The study demonstrates the reduced physical activity levels among students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This fact highlights the need to promote active lifestyles in the case of pandemic-related restrictions, as higher activity levels are associated with better mental and physical health of young people.

A Canadian First Nations radon assessment and COVID-19 restrictions: A difficult pairing

Radon is a known carcinogen and a by-product of degrading naturally occurring radioactive elements. The North Shore Micmac District Council (NSMDC) board of directors, in Eastern New Brunswick, Canada, were aware of this issue and saw a need for increased radon testing and awareness in their communities. The initial plan was to administer a testing blitz across communities to gauge the current levels of radon exposure in both residential and band-owned structures. This, with Elder consultation and a participant health survey, would create a data set used to guide future strategies effectively and better direct resources to mitigate the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. These plans were put in place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that began in March 2020. The subsequent provincial levels of restriction could not have been predicted. The ever-changing pandemic-related restrictions, and public health’s focus on a new deadly pathogen, led to difficulties managing and following through on many health and wellness projects. These circumstances led to a unique situation that delayed results, prolonged exposure to a known carcinogen, and may have consequences in the long term. Few procedures, treatments, or medications do not have side effects, and even warranted pandemic-related measures affect other aspects of health.

Elite athletes and sports training during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mini review

PurposeThe corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had devastating impact on sporting activities, education and global health. Given the impact of the pandemic-related restrictions and closed fitness centers and other sports facilities, the coping strategies adopted by athletes while training at home to continue their training remain an important question. The purpose of this review is to examine the findings of key studies focusing on the impact of the pandemic on sport training.Design/methodology/approachA review was conducted on Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed to identify articles on physical activity and sport training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility criteria included peer-reviewed empirical and quantitative studies. The selected articles were reviewed using contextual analysis.FindingsThe COVID-19 pandemic had devastating impact on sports activities globally. Studies evaluating the influence of the pandemic on sports training have revealed abysmal decline in training volume and general physical fitness, limited access to facilities and equipment and significant reduction in training load. The damage of the pandemic on the sporting world should serve as a guide for proactive steps that should be taken to prevent recurrence of a similar calamity.Originality/valueThis paper highlights important lessons to be learned from the lockdown imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic by stakeholders in sport, including the importance of improvisation of sports facilities by utilizing available spaces at home and neighborhood for physical training.

Elevating Employability: Analysing English Curriculum for Military Aviation Officers

Adequate English communication is vital for professional success, particularly in the aviation industry. As universities strive to enhance graduate employability, it is imperative to equip future employees with the necessary linguistic abilities to navigate the challenges and achieve organizational objectives within the workforce. One critical avenue for achieving this objective is the meticulous design of English language syllabi. The primary aim of this research, conducted in Malaysia, is to investigate feedback from aviation military officers former students of a defence university, regarding the existing English language curriculum and to identify their specific requirements for these courses. The study addresses two key questions: 1) Feedback on the existing English courses for military aviation officers, and 2) The English language requirements of military aviation officers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight military aviation officers nationwide using a qualitative research method. These interviews were conducted online due to pandemic-related restrictions, with each participant interviewed individually. The study’s main findings emphasize the significant role of English language proficiency in the aviation profession. Participants highlighted the critical need for improved curriculum designs, focusing on accent and jargon mastery. These insights underscore the urgency of refining the current English language courses to better address the specific language requirements of military aviation officers, thereby promoting their sustainable employment. In conclusion, this research provides valuable recommendations for curriculum enhancement and analyses future research in English language instruction. Emphasizing the critical role of English language skills in the aviation industry contributes to creating more effective and tailored English classrooms in the aviation sector and beyond. This study ultimately advances the broader goal of enhancing graduate employability in aviation.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Access and Diagnosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Among Patients With Systemic Sclerosis.

Regular clinical assessment for complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc) such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is essential for early institution of therapy and improved outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions on health care access of patients with SSc, including screening for PAH. South Australian and Victorian patients enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study were surveyed about their perceptions of the impact of the pandemic on mental well-being, access to medications, investigations, and management of SSc. Frequency of annual rheumatology assessments, pulmonary function tests (PFT), and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to screen for PAH were compared with rates from before the pandemic. A total of 312 of 810 patients with SSc responded (38.5% response); 273 were female (87.5%), the median age was 64.7 years, 77.2% had limited disease, the median illness duration was 15.6 years, 15.7% were immunosuppressed, 32.1% had interstitial lung disease, and 6.4% had PAH. A total of 65.7% of consultations were by telehealth, of which 81.2% were by telephone. Compared with respondents in South Australia (n=109), Victorian respondents (n=203) experiencing prolonged lockdown, reported reduced access to their rheumatologist (49.3% vs 27.9%; P = 0.004), greater use of consultation by video (17.3% vs 2.1%; P = 0.008), greater health care disruption (49.0% vs 23.2%; P < 0.001), and worse mental health (P = 0.002). Respondents reported reduced access to PFT and TTE (31.7% and 22.5%, respectively). Annual visits, PFT, TTE, and new diagnoses of PAH were reduced in 2020 to 2022 compared with 2011 to 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic-related disruption to health care for patients with SSc was associated with worse mental health and reduced screening and diagnosis of PAH, which may impact long-term outcomes.

Interruptions in bladder cancer care during the COVID-19 public health emergency

BackgroundAcademic and community urology centers participating in a pragmatic clinical trial in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer completed monthly surveys assessing restrictions in aspects of bladder cancer care due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Our objective was to describe pandemic-related restrictions on bladder cancer care. MethodsWe invited 32 sites participating in a multicenter pragmatic bladder cancer trial to complete monthly surveys distributed through REDCap beginning in May 2020. These surveys queried sites on whether they were experiencing restrictions in the use of elective surgery, transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT), radical cystectomy, office cystoscopy, and intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) availability. Responses were collated with descriptive statistics. ResultsOf 32 eligible sites, 21 sites had at least a 50% monthly response rate over the study period and were included in the analysis. Elective surgery was paused at 76% of sites in May 2020, 48% of sites in January 2021, and 52% of sites in January 2022. Over those same periods, coinciding with COVID-19 incidence waves, TURBT was restricted at 10%, 14%, and 14% of sites, respectively, radical cystectomy was restricted at 10%, 14%, and 19% of sites, respectively, and cystoscopy was restricted at 33%, 0%, and 10% of sites, respectively. ConclusionsBladder cancer care was minimally restricted compared with more pronounced restrictions seen in general elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Understanding the profound impact of a viral pandemic on the mental health of patients with autoimmune diseases undergoing biological treatment is crucial for future insights. This cross-sectional case-control study aimed to assess the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Romania, spanning from November 2022 to March 2023. A specialized self-report questionnaire in the Romanian language was developed to measure the multifaceted effects of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of these patients. The findings revealed a significant decline in the mental health of patients with IBD during the pandemic compared to the control group. Patients with IBD exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and concern regarding the virus. Intriguingly, despite the challenges, the vaccination rate was notably higher among patients with IBD, indicating a proactive approach to safeguarding their health. The study also shed light on various coping mechanisms employed by patients with IBD to navigate the pandemic-related restrictions. Engaging in activities such as social media and computer games emerged as effective strategies for managing heightened stress and limitations. In conclusion, the emergence of a novel viral pathogen represents a significant distress factor for patients with autoimmune diseases. Recognizing and comprehending these consequences enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay between physical and mental health and equips authorities with valuable insights to better manage future epidemics or viral outbreaks. This study underscores the importance of tailored support systems and strategies for patients with autoimmune diseases during global health crises.

Moral Imperatives of Lockdown: Story Completion Tasks of Family Practices and Relationships in Australia during COVID-19

This article contributes to the sociology of relationships by exploring the moral imperatives that shaped perceptions and negotiations of family life during lockdowns in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified dominant discourses from an online qualitative story completion task and situate these in relation to emerging literature on the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on domestic relationships, gender relations, and labour division. We argue that discourses of family connection, clean and tidy homes, and the commodity of time operated as moral imperatives. These imperatives simultaneously offered opportunities for enrichment and agency, as well as operating as unobtainable benchmarks that constrained people’s sense of wellbeing. In this analysis we explore how COVID-19 lockdown stories offer new ways of understanding the interplay between displaying and doing ‘family life’ where gender and labour relations are performed, reinforced and challenged.