Post Coronavirus Disease 2019 Research Articles

Lessons learned from spatiotemporal effect of COVID on the population density in the CBD

Alonso in 1964 developed the land use and transport interaction theory based on the bid and rent concept. It tells that the central core part of urban areas has the highest housing rental prices, and it gradually decays as it is further away from the centre. The city’s district is divided based on the distribution of land prices according to distance from the city centre. This fundamental relationship provides a basic insight into how people behave rationally subject to their living budgets. Based on this relationship, this paper aims to investigate the temporal and spatial changes in the de facto population of Seoul caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The de facto population has declined significantly since 2020. A major decrease has been found in areas within 2.5 km of travel distance from the city centre. The de facto population decreased the most during the night hours (18:00–24:00) on weekdays and the daytime (10:00–18:00) on weekends. These findings could be postulated to foresee how people might select their housing locations in terms of transport costs in the post–COVID-19 era.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Cardiac Function and Reserve Under Exercise in Post–COVID-19 Children: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundCardiovascular impairment has been observed in adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), even in those with mild symptoms. Physical activity can reveal subtle cardiovascular dysfunction that is not apparent at rest. However, there are limited data on cardiovascular function in children and adolescents after the COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to assess cardiovascular function in paediatric and adolescent populations with a history of COVID-19 infection and controls by conducting 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography at rest (TTE-R) and exercise stress echocardiography (ESE). MethodsWe conducted TTE-R, including speckle tracking strain analysis of both ventricles, on 100 individuals (median age 12.3 years, 82% male), divided into 2 groups: 73 adolescents with COVID-19 infection and 27 controls. A subset of male participants (40 cases, 15 controls) underwent ESE combined with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET-ESE) to examine the relationship between cardiovascular parameters and contractile reserve. Myocardial contractile reserve was evaluated by measuring the maximum increase in strain values during exercise. ResultsAt rest, no signs of myocardial injury or inflammation were observed. Right and left ventricular contractility in the infected group were clinically equivalent to those in the controls. During CPET-ESE, peak oxygen consumption was similar between the infected and control groups. Furthermore, contractile reserve under exercise was similar in both groups. ConclusionsWe found no significant differences in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and right ventricle systolic function evaluated by TTE-R between participants with a history of mild COVID-19 infection and controls. ESE provided insights for post–COVID-19 young people resuming activities and sports.

Weight gain, new-onset overweight or obesity, and their influencing factors during the social distancing era of the COVID-19 pandemic

The prevalence of obesity is gradually increasing in South Korea, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has accelerated the weight gain. In response to COVID-19, South Korea implemented targeted distancing measures based on the number of COVID-19 cases, rather than a full lockdown. This study focused on two subgroups that influence the rise in obesity prevalence during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and explored the factors contributing to rapid weight gain in this group during this period. This cross-sectional study involved 3,462 participants recruited through the MicroEmbrain Inc. Online survey panel. Participation emails were sent by the research company to the online survey panel, and individuals who voluntarily agreed to participate responded to the survey. The participants consisted of residents aged 19 and above from Seoul, with sample distribution taking considering sex, age, and region. Height, and weight before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were self-reported. The analysis revealed that compared with that of pre-COVID-19 statistics, 11 % of all participants entered the overweight or obese categories post COVID-19, and among those who were overweight or obese before COVID-19, 42.5 % reported weight gain. Both groups had relatively younger individuals, higher stress levels, spent more time alone, and had increased usage of online platforms including online food purchasing. Post-COVID-19 wt gain among individuals with pre-existing overweight or obesity status was associated with a higher frequency of solitary drinking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.407, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.024–1.932), increased online leisure time (OR = 1.336, 95 % CI = 1.063–1.678), and increased use of meal delivery services (OR = 1.307, 95 % CI = 1.026–1.664). The prevalence of obesity has continued to rise after COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for interventions that mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on health behavior.

Outcomes of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Post COVID-19 Patients Presenting with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is thought to predispose patients to wide variety of thrombotic disease, including Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS). While such fact is established in literature to occur during the acute infection, data regarding the long term thrombotic effects of COVID-19 are still unclear. Aim and Objectives To determine the special coronary angiographic findings, the procedural and clinical success of revascularization among post COVID-19 patients presenting with STEMI. Patients and Methods This study was performed on a 100 patients who presented to emergency departments of Ain shams university hospitals with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and underwent primary PCI, during a period of 6 months: From January to June of 2022. The patients were randomized into two groups: Group (A) the Post COVID-19 group, comprising 50 patients who developed COVID-19 infection in the past 6 months, as diagnosed at the time by RT-PCR or a CT chest of CORADS-IV or more – and group (B) the Control group, comprising 50 patients who deny COVID-19 infection in the past 6 months, endorsed by a negative COVID-19 antibody test. A subgroup analysis was done where patients in group (A) were further divided into two subgroups: the Early Post-COVID subgroup, having developed STEMI within 8 weeks of infection and comprising 16 patients, and the Late Post-COVID subgroup, having developed STEMI >8-24 weeks post infection and comprising 34 patients. The groups were compared as regards clinical, angiographic, laboratory and echocardiographic outcomes of percutaneous intervention. Results Our study demonstrated that patients who developed STEMI within 8 weeks of a COVID-19 infection (the Early Post-COVID subgroup) showed a statistically significant high thrombus burden on angiography, at 81.3% versus 48% of the control group. A high thrombus burden was defined in our study as having a modified thrombus grade of 4 or more. This subsequently resulted in higher use of pre-dilatation (56.2% versus 24%) and thrombus aspiration (43.8% versus 4%) in the Early Post- COVID subgroup, both at a statistically significant level (P-values = 0.015 and 0.001 respectively). Coronary No-Reflow was a much more frequent complication following PCI in the Early post-COVID subgroup (62.5%) compared to the Control group (22%). These patients also suffered a lower Ejection Fraction on Echocardiography (Mean 36% versus 43.4%) and a larger LVIDs (Mean 47mm versus 43.9mm) as compared to the Control group. This data translated clinically into a higher MACE among the Early Post-COVID patients, at 31.3% versus 6% of the control group. Of note that these differences were not as evident upon comparing the whole post COVID group to the control group. Conclusion We concluded that the thrombogenic effect of COVID-19 on the outcomes of STEMI persists even after resolution of the infection but gradually declines overtime. It affects the angiographic, procedural and overall clinical success of revascularization during in-hospital stay. This effect is maximal during the first 8 weeks after infection, but declines thereafter.

Prevention of post COVID-19 condition by early treatment with ensitrelvir in the phase 3 SCORPIO-SR trial

This exploratory analysis of the double-blind, phase 3, SCORPIO-SR trial assessed the effect of ensitrelvir in preventing post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) condition (PCC). Patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 were randomized (1:1:1) within 120 h of symptom onset; received 5-day oral ensitrelvir 125 mg (375 mg on day 1), 250 mg (750 mg on day 1), or a matching placebo once daily; and were assessed for the severity of typical PCC symptoms using a self-administered questionnaire. In total, 341, 317, and 333 patients were assessed in the ensitrelvir 125-mg, ensitrelvir 250-mg, and placebo groups, respectively (mean age, 35.6–36.5 years; men, 53.3%–58.3%). On days 85, 169, and 337, ensitrelvir 125-mg treatment showed 32.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -30.6, 66.1), 21.5% (95% CI: -37.3, 55.6), and 24.6% (95% CI: -43.7, 60.9) reductions versus placebo, respectively, in the risk of any of the 14 acute-phase COVID-19 symptoms (at least one mild, moderate, or severe symptom with general health not returning to the usual level). Ensitrelvir 250-mg treatment showed 10.9% (95% CI: -67.0, 52.8), 9.5% (95% CI: -56.6, 48.0), and 30.6% (95% CI: -36.2, 65.5) risk reductions versus placebo on days 85, 169, and 337, respectively. Risk reductions were observed in any of the 4 neurological symptoms and were more pronounced among patients with high acute-phase symptom scores at baseline and among those with a baseline body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Ensitrelvir treatment in the acute phase of COVID-19 may reduce the risk of various symptoms associated with PCC. Trial registration numberjRCT2031210350.

Shifting Patterns of Sputum Culture Testing and Antibiotic Usage Among Patients With Pneumonia Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly shifted the attitude of the public and health care workers toward health care practices. Furthermore, this pandemic led to reduced diagnostic testing of various diseases worldwide. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care practices, mainly focusing on sputum culture testing for pneumonia and how these changes affected antibiotic selection and health outcomes. We conducted a retrospective observational study at the Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center between January 2018 and December 2021. We compared clinical outcomes during the pre–COVID-19 and post–COVID-19 periods. These outcomes included microbiological test implementation (eg, sputum culture test), length of hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality. Of the 698 patients, 384 (55.0%) were from the pre–COVID-19 period, and 314 (45.0%) were from the post–COVID-19 period. The post–COVID-19 period was associated with a lower ordering rate of sputum cultures (odds ratio [OR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50–0.93). Furthermore, the post–COVID-19 period was associated with increased use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.12–2.21) and a higher rate of in-hospital death (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16–2.73). The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted changes in health care–seeking behaviors, affecting health care providers' diagnostic practices and potentially influencing patient outcomes. Our study outlines the importance of adapting health care strategies during pandemics. Further studies are required to understand the complex interplay among pandemic situations, diagnostic procedures, and patient prognosis.

The beneficial potential of ginseng for menopause

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has long been used not only as a food supplement but also as a treatment for various diseases. Ginseng originated in South Korea, which later spread to China and Japan, has a wide range of pharmacological activities including immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and central nervous system effects. KRG is produced by repetitions of steaming and drying of ginseng to extend preservation. During this steaming process, the components of ginseng undergo physio-chemical changes forming a variety of potential active constituents including ginsenoside-Rg3, a unique compound in KRG. Pandemic Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has affected both men and women differentially. In particular, women were more vulnerable to COVID-related distress which in turn could aggravate menopause-related disturbances. Complementary and alternative medicinal plants could have aided middle-aged women for several menopause-related symptoms during and post COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to explore the beneficial effects of KRG on menopausal symptoms and gynecological cancer.

Modern Trends in Nasal Bone Fractures and the Effect of Social Distancing

Objectives: To assess differences in demographics, incidence, and cause of nasal bone fractures (NBFs) between pre–coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 eras. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for adult NBF. Two sample t tests and Wald χ2 tests were used to identify changes across the 2012 to 2019 period and 2020 to 2021 period (age, sex, race, location, disposition, and product). Results: There was a total of 523,259 (95% CI: 445,082–601,436) emergency department (ED)–treated adult NBFs in the United States. There was a greater incidence of NBF during COVID-19 (61,621 annual cases; 95% CI: 61,572–61,669) compared with pre–COVID-19 (50,773 annual cases; 95% CI: 50,195–51,351; P < 0.01). Fewer patients with NBF were discharged after ED evaluation during COVID-19 (79.46%; 95% CI: 74.45%–83.70%) compared with before (84.41%; 95% CI: 82.36%–86.28%; P = 0.049, t test). During COVID-19, there was a decrease in sport-associated NBFs, such as basketball [2.36% (95% CI: 1.71%–3.27%) versus 5.21% (95% CI: 4.20%–6.45%), P < 0.01] and baseball [1.18% (95% CI: 0.82%–1.69%) versus 2.22% (95% CI: 1.80%–2.74%), P<0.01], but an increase in fall (66.34% versus 75.02%), alcohol (7.04% versus 12.89%), and drug-associated (0.47% versus 5.70%) NBFs (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: A greater incidence of NBFs has been observed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic without significant changes in sex or race. Nasal bone fractures during COVID-19 were less likely to be related to sports or discharged from the ED and more likely to be associated with drugs and alcohol. Changes in sociobehavioral patterns during these unprecedented times may account for post–COVID-19 NBF etiologic drift. Level of Evidence: Level II—retrospective cohort study.

Impact of pre-service teachers’ self-regulation and self-efficacy on their mathematics performance in blended learning

This research investigated the pre-service teachers’ self-regulation, self-efficacy, and mathematics performance in blended learning during the post Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in a state university using a descriptive correlational design. There were 201 pre-service teachers who were identified using simple random sampling. They answered the two-set survey questionnaire, which assessed their self-regulation and self-efficacy, while their performances were assessed using their grades in the subject. The data gathered were treated using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that they had high self-regulation while they had a very high level of self-efficacy. At the same time, they had a very satisfactory performance in mathematics. Moreover, their self-regulation in terms of planning, monitoring, and adjusting was significantly correlated with their math performance while reflecting is not. However, no significant relationship was found between their self-efficacy and mathematics performance. Thus, instructors are encouraged to conduct monitoring during blended learning to encourage pre-service teachers to maintain their high level of self-regulation and self-efficacy in learning mathematics. In addition, future researchers may explore the same variables to validate the findings of the study because these findings are limited only to pre-service teachers and were conducted during the post COVID-19 pandemic.

Post COVID-19 Infection in Subclinical Hyperthyroidism among Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Kathmandu

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection may induce thyroid dysfunction as Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can invade the human tissue cells through the cell receptor of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), expression of which is high in thyroid tissue. The aim of the present study was to assess the subclinical hyperthyroidism post-COVID-19 effects on thyroid function in patients without history of thyroid disease after complete recovery from mild-to-severe COVID19 and find the prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Internal Medicine, of tertiary care center from September 2022 to February 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee of Nepal Medical College (Ref. No.: 15-079/080). Convenience sampling method was used among patients who met the eligibility criteria. Point estimate at 95.0% confidence interval were calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Out of 38 patients, 34 (89.5%) had thyroid dysfunction. Among them, 7 (20.6%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism, 2 (5.9%) had thyroiditis and 1 (2.9%) had Graves’ disease. Those who had thyroid dysfunction, 10 (29.4%) people were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The hyperthyroidism among COVID-19 patients is a common finding and subclinical hyperthyroidism was seen in 20.6% of patients post COVID-19. Therefore, while managing COVID-19, patients’ thyroid profile should be considered.

Clinical Impact of Covid-19 Omicron Variant on Patients in Home Health Care

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk factors for hospitalization and mortality have been reported to be older age, comorbidities, and vaccination status. However, its clinical course and the risk of hospitalization and mortality in patients who received home health care for their predisposing status and diseases remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of these patients after being infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19. This retrospective study included 33 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 after we initiated home health care. We classified the patients into 2 groups, that is, hospitalization (n = 7) and non-hospitalization (n = 26), and non-survival (n = 6) and survival (n = 27) and compared their backgrounds. COVID-19 severity was an affecting factor in hospitalization and survival. The nursing care environments and low daily life activities also affected hospitalization but not survival. The proportion of patients with terminal malignancies (50.0% vs 3.7%, p = .017) and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (5.0 vs 2.0, p = .096) were higher in the non-survival than in the survival group. Some patients had urinary tract infections and persistent weight and appetite loss (post COVID-19 syndrome), regardless of this improvement. Serum IL-6 levels were higher in patients with post COVID-19 syndrome than those without symptoms. Optimizing the nursing care environment is essential to continue home health care and lower the hospitalization rate even with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Post COVID-19 syndrome, such as appetite and weight loss, are associated with IL-6-induced inflammation.

The prevalence of COVID-19 infection, associated risk factors and post-COVID-19 symptoms among vaccinated people, in Anhui Province, China: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate the infection status of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among people in Anhui Province, China after the epidemic prevention and control measures were lifted, and to study and analyze its related influencing factors. From March 11 to May 20, 2023, questionnaires on COVID-19 were distributed on the Questionnaire Star platform, and Statistical Product and Service Solutions software (version 19.0) was used for statistical processing. The results showed that the infection rate of COVID-19 among respondents reached 72.24%. 58.81% of the infected people reported post COVID-19 symptoms. Fever, fatigue, and cough were the main symptoms during infection. The results of multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that there is statistical significance between age (P = .002), residential area (P = .025), number of vaccine injections (P < .001) and the risk of new coronavirus infection. COVID-19 had a high infection rate, and children had a lower risk of COVID-19. People living in cities were more susceptible to COVID-19, and it was necessary to increase the number of vaccine doses.

Pediatric post COVID-19 condition: an umbrella review of the most common symptoms and associated factors.

Although the long-term consequences of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are yet to be fully comprehended, a syndrome symptomatically akin to the COVID-19 disease has been defined, for children and adolescents, in February 2023 by the World Health Organization (WHO) as 'post COVID-19 condition' (PCC). Potential consequences of COVID-19 that affect developmental milestones in children and adolescents should be comprehended in their magnitude and duration. The aim is to investigate the most common symptoms and predictors or risk factors for pediatric PCC. In this umbrella review, the population of interest was defined as children and adolescents from 0 to 19 years old presenting PCC symptoms as defined by the WHO in the International Classification of Diseases. The intervention considered was general follow-up activity to monitor the patients' recovery status. No comparator was chosen, and the outcomes were symptoms of PCC and predictors or risk factors of developing PCC. Methodological quality, risk of bias and the level of overlap between studies were assessed. A random-effects meta-analytic synthesis of respective estimates with inverse variance study weighting was carried out, for the primary studies included by the reviews retrieved, regarding predictors or risk factors reported. We identified six eligible systematic reviews, five with meta-analyses, from three databases. The most common symptoms reported were fatigue and respiratory difficulties; female sex and older age were the most reported factors associated with the development of pediatric PCC. A deeper understanding of pediatric PCC requires well-designed and clearly defined prospective studies, symptom differentiation, and adequate follow-up.

The Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Optimal Timing of Breast Cancer Surgery After COVID-19 Infection.

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in breast cancer patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to determine the optimal timing for surgery in the era of "post COVID-19 pandemic." This prospective study included breast cancer patients who contracted COVID-19 and underwent surgery from December 20th, 2022, to March 20th, 2023 (n = 577). A control group comprised patients who underwent surgery from May 1st, 2019, to October 1st, 2019 (n = 327) and had not contracted COVID-19 prior to surgery. Patients were categorized based on the timing of their surgery relative to their COVID-19 infection. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Patients with COVID-19 had a higher incidence of postoperative DVT compared to those without COVID-19 (3.64% vs. 1.21%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the timing of surgery was significantly associated with the risk of DVT (odds ratio [OR], 2.795; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.692-11.278; p = 0.024). Patients who underwent surgery within two weeks of COVID-19 infection experienced the highest DVT rates (OR, 10.556; 95% CI, 1.095-303.313; p = 0.003). However, the incidence decreased to 2.85% when surgery was delayed until two weeks or more after infection. The median follow-up period was 10 months, all patients with DVT after surgery were recovered without serious complications or death. There were no adverse effects on subsequent anti-tumor therapy. Caution is advised when performing breast cancer surgery within two weeks after a COVID-19 infection. Although the risk of DVT remains somewhat elevated even after two weeks, surgery can be considered safe given the urgency of treatment, favorable complication outcomes, and lack of impact on subsequent adjuvant therapy.

Factors associated with small airway obstruction in COVID-19 survivors: A cross-sectional study among health-care providers.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been identified for more than two years, yet studies assessing post-infection lung function are limited. Reports on lung function in COVID-19 patients indicate that patients have restrictive defects and small airway dysfunction that can persist and are not necessarily related to the severity of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of small airway obstruction and its incidence-associated factors among COVID-19 survivors to better describe the long-term effects of COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted among COVID-19 survivors who less than 50 years at Medan Adventist Hospital between 2020-2022. The data were collected through interview, direct assessment and respiratory examination. A total of 89 COVID-19 survivors were recruited of which the majority of them were female with a mean age of 32.6-year-old with the largest group was 19-30 years. The comorbidities found among the survivors were heart and thyroid disorders, with the most common symptom of post-COVID-19 was fatigue. Most of them had mild COVID-19. The mean forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25-75%) was 96.3±20.22, with an incidence rate of small airway obstruction was 19.1%. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated no significant association between age, gender, comorbidities, history of oxygenation during COVID-19 treatment, COVID-19 severity and the type of post COVID-19 syndrome symptoms with the incidence of small airway obstruction. In conclusion, among COVID-19 survivors who were less than 50 years old, those studied variables seems have less association with the incidence of small airway obstruction. Nevertheless, a further study with a bigger sample size is important to be conducted.

Relationship between Plasma D-Dimer Level and Pulmonary Hypertension as well as Right Ventricle Dysfunction in Patient Post Pneumonia COVID-19

Background: High rate of coagulopathy and pulmonary thromboembolism in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is represented by an increase in plasma D-Dimer levels is believed to be related to pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between plasma D-Dimer levels with PH and RV dysfunction assessed from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in patients post COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: Observational research with a cross-sectional design. Estimated mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was calculated from Mahan's formula obtained from pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) and RV function was assessed from RV free wall strain (RV FWS), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and fractional area change (FAC). D-Dimer levels during hospitalisation were obtained from medical records and actual D-Dimer was obtained at the time of echocardiography. Results: Total 40 patients post-COVID-19 pneumonia underwent TTE in a median of 11 days after negative PCR. There was a significant correlation between peak D-Dimer levels with mPAP (r=0.526, p&lt;0.001), RV FWS (r=-0.506, p=0.001), TAPSE (r=-0.498, p=0.001), and FAC (r=0.447, p=0.004). Multivariate analysis found peak D-Dimer ≥4530 µg/L independently associated with PH with odds ratio (OR) 6.6, (95% CI 1.1-10; p=0.048), but not with RV dysfunction. Conclusion: Peak D-Dimer level correlates with echocardiographic parameters of RV function and mPAP in patients with COVID-19 infection. Peak D-Dimer ≥4530 µg/L might increase risk of PH, but not RV dysfunction in patient post pneumonia COVID-19.

Environmental press of urban greenspace pre-post COVID on older adults: A big data study in metropolitan Atlanta

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacted the use of urban green spaces. For older adults who are vulnerable to environmental press, there were more concerns with being outside after COVID-19, especially in metropolitan areas with a high population density. Reframing urban greenspaces to encourage older adults to spend time outdoors requires further consideration. Using block groups and park POI data from the Atlanta metropolitan area retrieved from SafeGraph, this study assesses the types of urban greens spaces that fit the needs of older adults pre and post COVID-19 and how park features influenced their use of the parks. The results indicate a high decrease in park visitation after COVID-19 for visitors from block groups with a higher aging population. The preferences of older adults visiting urban greenspaces changed from small scale parks pre-pandemic to large scale parks post start of the pandemic. Park visitations of older adults were impacted by park sizes, locations, environmental variables, and park features, which contribute to the shift of environmental press. Paths and trails are the primary park feature attracting older adults pre-post COVID-19. Findings can inform future design and research of urban greenspaces accommodating the competence of older adults.

The vaccination of the aged in post COVID-19 era

As human grow older, immune-senescence, inflammaging, decline in physical and cognitive functions, frailty, various comorbidities and related polypharmacy make us vulnerable to infectious diseases, which in turn accelerates aging vice versa. Immunization for the aged against vaccine-preventable diseases is being emphasized more and more. However, in reality, the effective immune response is hindered for the similar reasons, so strategies to overcome this are being taken. The goal of elderly vaccination is to reduce the severity, mortality, and burden of disease. This review introduces 2023 adult immunization guidelines of the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases including influenza, pneumococcus, varicella zoster and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and recently licensed respiratory syncytial virus vaccination. Clinicians are required to play a role in helping client’s decisions by providing and discussing scientific information about the benefits and risks of vaccination based on an understanding of the their medico-social condition in this post-COVID-19 era.

Summarizing Evidence of Associations of COVID-19 With a Future Diagnosis of Inflammatory Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases: A Rapid Review.

Musculoskeletal symptoms are commonly reported following acute COVID-19. It is unclear whether those with musculoskeletal symptoms subsequently develop inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal disease (iRMD). This review seeks to identify evidence for an association between acute COVID-19 and subsequent iRMD diagnosis. A rapid review of the literature using a systematic search of Medline, EMBASE and two COVID-19 databases was undertaken until August 2022. Case studies, case series, cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies reporting patients with an incident iRMD following COVID-19 were included. Title and abstract screening were conducted by one reviewer and full text screening by two reviewers. Data extraction and quality appraisal were by one reviewer, with a second verifying. Study-type specific critical appraisal tools were used. Results were narratively synthesized. A total of 80 studies were included (69 case reports, 10 case series and 1 cross-sectional study). Commonly reported iRMDs were "reactive arthropathies" (n=47), "inflammatory arthropathies unspecified" (n=18), rheumatoid arthritis (n=12) and systemic lupus erythematosus (n=11). The cross-sectional study reported 37% of those with COVID-19 developed "post COVID arthritis." Time from diagnosis of COVID-19 to iRMD presentation ranged from 0 to 120 days. Several mechanisms were proposed to explain the association between COVID-19 and iRMD development: autoimmune processes, aberrant inflammatory responses, colonization of joint spaces, direct damage from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus and genetic predisposition. The level of evidence of the studies included in this review was low and the quality generally poor. Prospective observational studies are required to confirm associations and likely impact of post COVID-19 iRMDs at a population level.

Post-COVID-19 cardio-pulmonary manifestations after 1-year of SARS-CoV-2 infection among Indian population: A single centre, case-control study (OneCoV2 study)

BackgroundThe evolving challenge of persistent symptoms post-Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), particularly debilitating cardio-pulmonary manifestations, necessitates further exploration. Our study aimed to assess the cardio-pulmonary complications in patients a year after hospital discharge from severe COVID-19, contrasting these with findings from a non-COVID group. MethodsThe OneCoV2 study, a prospective, case-control study, was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in northern India. We enrolled 43 subjects, with a mean age of 25.57 ± 7.94 years (COVID group) and 27.30 ± 8.17 years (non-COVID group). Comprehensive tests included pulmonary function tests, cardiac function tests, 6-min walk tests, and laboratory investigations. ResultsSignificant differences were found in the pulmonary function [forced vital capacity (FVC) (p = 0.037), forced expiratory flow (FEF) 25–75 % (p = 0.013)], and cardiac function [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.032), heart rate (HR) (p = 0.047)], along with the six-minute walk test results between the two groups. In the COVID group, Pearson's correlation showed a negative correlation between FVC and C-reactive protein (CRP) [r = −0.488, p = 0.007] and a positive correlation between the six-minute walk test [r = 0.431, p = 0.003] and HR [r = 0.503, p = 0.013]. ConclusionsOur data suggest that pulmonary abnormalities are prevalent in COVID patients even after 1-year of hospital discharge. Cardiac biomarkers also show an inclination towards the COVID group. While we found significant correlations involving some parameters like FVC, CRP, HR, and results from the six-minute walk test, we did not find any significant correlations with the other tested parameters in our study.