Risk Of COVID-19 Infection Research Articles

Examining the Effect of Parental COVID-19 Vaccination Prior to Birth and the Association Between COVID-19 and Cancer in Children Under Six.

The biology of COVID-19 has intricate links to childhood cancer, exacerbated by pandemic disturbances. This research aims to explore the association between childhood cancer in children under 6 years old and COVID-19 immunisation, in addition to the effects of vaccination on parents before delivery. The study employs a case-control approach, gathering informed consent and matching factors like age, marital status, and socioeconomic status between cases and controls. A survey was distributed, culminating in 191 children under six, with data from 136 diagnosed cancer cases collected in 2023, adhering to methodological standards in epidemiological research. The analysis utilised SPSS28, employing chi-square testing and logistic regression. Chi-square testing confirmed a significant rise in childhood cancer rates post-COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic rates. Key factors influencing cancer incidence include the mother's age at childbirth, parental vaccination history before pregnancy, maternal vaccination details during pregnancy, the child's COVID-19 infection status, and maternal marriage age. Notably, younger mothers faced higher COVID-19 infection risks, but vaccination appears to mitigate paediatric cancer risk. The post-pandemic surge in childhood cancer underscores a complex interplay of early exposures and maternal viral infections. Emphasising vaccination's protective effects before and during pregnancy, the study advocates integrating vaccination into maternal health programs. Public health measures should promote immunisation and address socioeconomic inequalities to lower paediatric cancer risk, aligning with previous studies linking parental health behaviours to childhood cancer incidence.

Wind velocity and dispersion/advection–diffusion of artificial droplets and droplet nuclei in a domed all-weather multi-purpose stadium

To evaluate the COVID-19 infection risk and the effectiveness of countermeasures at mass-gathering events, we measured the dispersion and advective diffusion of artificial droplets and artificial droplet nuclei at the Tokyo Dome, Japan (capacity 55,000 people). We also measured and evaluated the effectiveness of wearing masks and increasing the space between seating areas. If people were seated facing forward, artificial droplets did not reach the mouths of surrounding people, suggesting low risk of droplet transmission. For an artificially generated cough or sneeze, the volume of droplets deposited on the hair, back of the neck, and back of the human in front, and the backs of the seats in front, decreased by two to three orders of magnitude when a mask was worn, regardless of the type of mask. However, when the mask was worn with the nose out, the amount deposited on the back of the seat in front was reduced by only 17%. Even in seats with the highest particle concentration in the vicinity of the source, only 0.097%–0.24% of the generated droplet nuclei (1.0–3.0 μm) from the source were inhaled. Our results suggest that the infection risk at the Tokyo Dome via droplet and airborne transmission was low.

Contact Tracing Different Age Groups During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Study From South-West Germany.

Contact tracing was implemented in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent disease spread, reduce mortality, and avoid overburdening health care systems. In several countries, including Germany, new systems were needed to trace potentially infected individuals. Using data collected in the Rhine-Neckar and Heidelberg (RNK/HD) districts in southwest Germany (population: 706,974), this study examines the overall effectiveness and efficiency of contact tracing in different age groups and stages of the pandemic. From January 27, 2020, to April 30, 2022, the RNK/HD Health Authority collected data on COVID-19 infections, quarantines, and deaths. Data on infection, quarantine, and death was grouped by age (young: 0-19 years; adult: 20-65 years; and senior citizens: >65 years) and pandemic phase (infectious wave plus subsequent lull periods) and analyzed for proportion, risk, and relative risk (RR). The overall effectiveness and efficiency of contact tracing were determined by calculating quarantine sensitivity (proportion of the infected population captured in quarantine), positive predictive value (PPV; proportion of the quarantined population that was infected), and the weighted Fβ-score (combined predictive performance). Of 706,974 persons living in RNK/HD during the study period, 192,175 (27.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 74,810 (10.4%) were quarantined, and 932 (0.132%) died following infection. Compared with adults, the RR of infection was lower among senior citizens (0.401, 95% CI 0.395-0.407) and while initially lower for young people, was ultimately higher for young people across all 5 phases (first-phase RR 0.502, 95% CI 0.438-0.575; all phases RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.34-1.36). Of 932 COVID-19-associated deaths during the study period, 852 were senior citizens (91.4%), with no deaths reported among young people. Relative to adults, senior citizens had the lowest risk of quarantine (RR 0.436, 95% CI 0.424-0.448), while young people had the highest RR (2.94, 95% CI 2.90-2.98). The predictive performance of contact tracing was highest during the second and third phases of the pandemic (Fβ-score=0.272 and 0.338, respectively). In the second phase of the pandemic, 5810 of 16,814 COVID-19 infections were captured within a total quarantine population of 39,687 (sensitivity 34.6%; PPV 14.6%). In the third phase of the pandemic, 3492 of 8803 infections were captured within a total quarantine population of 16,462 (sensitivity 39.7%; PPV 21.2%). The use of quarantine aligned with increasing risks of COVID-19 infection and death. High levels of quarantine sensitivity before the introduction of the vaccine show how contact tracing systems became increasingly effective at capturing and quarantining the infected population. High levels of PPV and Fβ-scores indicate, moreover, that contact tracing became more efficient at identifying infected individuals. Additional analysis of transmission pathways is needed to evaluate the application of quarantine in relation to infection and death risks within specific age groups.

A cross-sectional study on the perceived risk of COVID-19 and its association with the usage patterns of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria

The study aimed to assess the perception of a higher risk of COVID-19 infection among young people who used e-cigarettes, and its association with a change in the use of e-cigarettes during the pandemic in Nigeria. A secondary analysis of the Nigerian component of a multi-country online survey data, which was obtained from adolescents and young adults on e-cigarette use from November 1st to December 30th, 2021, was conducted. Multi-nominal regression analyses were done to determine the associations between the dependent (use of e-cigarettes) and independent (perception that e-cigarette users are more likely to be infected with COVID-19) variables after adjusting for confounders (health status, COVID-19 status, HIV status, anxiety level, age and sex). Of the 568 respondents (52.8% male), 122 (21.5%) perceived that e-cigarette users were more likely to be infected with COVID-19. In addition, 188 (33.1%) respondents increased e-cigarette smoking during the pandemic. A greater percentage of participants who perceived that e-cigarette use is associated with a greater risk of COVID-19 infection, and a significantly higher percentage of participants with high levels of anxiety reported decreased e-cigarette use (28.6% versus 13.3%, p = 0.029). The perception that e-cigarette use increased the risk for COVID-19 was associated with higher odds of an increase in e-cigarette use (AOR: 1.328) and lower odds of a decrease in e-cigarette use (AOR: 0.580) during the COVID-19 pandemic, though these associations were not statistically significant. The persistence of e-cigarette use among the youth in Nigeria despite awareness of COVID-19 risks highlights the need for stronger public health interventions. Simply providing information on risks is insufficient; targeted strategies addressing addiction, social factors, and accessibility are crucial for meaningful behavioural change.

Neighbourhood immigrant density and COVID-19 infection and hospitalization among healthcare workers

Abstract Background Studies have shown inequalities in COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs), with occupational exposure failing to fully explain the inequalities. Little is known about the role of other social determinants of health, such as neighborhood immigrant density. We examined if living in immigrant-dominated neighborhoods was associated with increased risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization among HCWs in Sweden, and if so, whether such exposure amplified the risk of COVID-19 among immigrant HCWs. Addressing this question would contribute to a better understanding of factors driving COVID-19 disparities among HCWs. Methods Data were from HCWs aged 20 to 62 years (N = 86187) resident in one of 14 Swedish municipalities (three of which are Sweden’s largest metropolitan cities) on 1 January 2020. Residential neighborhoods were categorised into Swedish-dominated, mixed, and immigrant-dominated. The study outcomes were the first occurrence of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization registered until 30 September 2022. Multilevel mixed-effects survival regression was used for the association analyses, with control for confounders (age, sex, income, comorbidities etc). Results After adjusting for confounders, living in immigrant-dominated neighborhoods was only associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection in the first pandemic wave (HR 1.17, 95%CI 1.07 - 1.29), but living in these areas was associated with an elevated risk of COVID-19 hospitalization throughout the entire period. Immigrant HCWs, regardless of where they lived, had around 2-fold higher risk of being hospitalised for COVID-19 than non-immigrant HCWs living in Swedish-dominated neighborhoods. Conclusions Neighborhood immigrant density was associated with COVID-19 hospitalization among HCWs in Sweden. However, immigrant HCWs had a high risk of the outcome regardless of where they lived. More research is needed to identify the root causes of the excess risk among immigrant HCWs. Key messages • HCWs living in immigrant-dominated neighborhoods had an elevated risk of COVID-19 hospitalization. • This study sheds additional light on the drivers of COVID-19 inequalities among Swedish HCWs.

Risk factors for COVID-19 infection among the German older adult population

Abstract Background There are scarce analyses on COVID-19 infection risk factors for the older adult population. This study aims to examine COVID-19 infection risk factors in the older adult general population. Methods The data for this analysis came from the population-representative Study on Health of Older People in Germany (Gesundheit65+) conducted by the Robert Koch Institute from 10/2021 to 08/2022. We considered information on COVID-19 infection status (self-reported infection confirmed by PRC test at least once vs. never), socio-demographic factors, health risk factors, and different face-to-face interactions. The analysis was restricted to 2,976 individuals aged 65+ years with complete infection status information. We assessed weighted prevalences and used univariable and multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate infection risk factors. Results The overall prevalence of infection was 7.2% (95% confidence interval, 6.0-8.7). Infection prevalences were significantly higher (compared to their respective reference group) among participants living in assisted living facilities (24.7% vs. 6.7%), individuals who got help to perform basic activities of daily living (10.8% vs. 6.8%), COVID-19 unvaccinated individuals (25.2% vs. 6.9%), individuals who did not meet family or friends in the last month (12.7% vs. 6.7%), and participants who did not smoke (7.8% vs. 2.6%). No other variable was significantly related to COVID-19 infection. In multivariable analysis, variables independently associated with higher odds ratio (OR) of COVID-19 infection were: living in an assisted living facility OR 3.6 (1.8-7.2), not being vaccinated against COVID-19 OR 4.6 (1.5-14.1), and not smoking OR 1.6 (1.1-2.6). Conclusions The preliminary results of this study align with the prevalence of COVID-19 infection found in concomitant studies. A noteworthy element of our study is the vaccine’s protective effect. The pandemic had a particularly detrimental effect on residents of assisted living facilities Key messages • Improvement in quality of care and infection preventive measures in nursing homes is necessary. • Pandemic preparedness must consider the need for help in the daily life of the older population.

EGFR-TKI therapy does not increase risk of COVID-19 infection

EGFR-TKI therapy does not increase risk of COVID-19 infection

'I am more stressed if my infection affects others': development of a COVID-19-related stress scale in older people and examination of its validity and associations with mental health risks.

COVID-19 was a collective traumatic event; however, different individuals may have perceived it differently. This study investigated what older people in a collective culture perceived as stressful during COVID-19 and examined how different stressors related to COVID-19 infection and mental health risks. Thirty-six participants from diverse backgrounds engaged in a three-round Delphi study to generate items for a COVID-19-related stress scale for older adults (CSS-OA). Subsequently, 4674 people (aged ≥60 years) participated in a cross-sectional telephone survey; interviewers collected their responses to CSS-OA and information about COVID-19 infection, depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness and demographics. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted on CSS-OA. A multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) model was used to examine associations between CSS-OA and other measures. The Delphi process generated eight items, all secondary or tertiary stressors related to infection. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor model, and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed an excellent fit (comparative fit index = 0.99, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06). Pre-existing mental health conditions, having family members/friends infected with COVID-19, loneliness, anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with higher stress. Conversely, self-infection with COVID-19, older age, being female and living alone were negatively associated with some domains of CSS-OA (all P < 0.05). The Delphi process enhanced our understanding of what older people perceived as stressful, much of which resulted from certain healthcare strategies and reflected cultural influences. These and the MIMIC results highlight the need to balance public health policies with respect to infectious diseases and older people's mental health and quality of life.

COVID-19 vaccine implementation at a syringe services program: experiences of frontline staff

BackgroundWhile people with substance use disorders, including people who inject drugs (PWID), experience increased risk for COVID-19 infection and adverse outcomes, COVID-19 vaccination rates among PWID are consistently lower than those observed in the general population. Offering COVID-19 vaccines at syringe services programs (SSPs) has been proposed as a critical strategy to increase vaccine uptake among this population. We explored the experiences of frontline staff at an SSP in Miami, Florida implementing onsite COVID-19 vaccines.MethodsBetween June and July 2022, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 17 staff members of an SSP in Miami, Florida. Data collection and codebook thematic analysis of transcribed interviews were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).ResultsFacilitators and barriers of COVID-19 vaccine implementation at the SSP aligned with all major CFIR domains. Key facilitators included the SSP’s established partnership with the local health department for vaccine distribution, its existing funding sources which could be leveraged for vaccine-related expenses, consensus among staff about the need for new strategies to increase vaccine uptake among PWID, and PWID’s trust in the SSP. Major—but largely modifiable—barriers included lack of participant compensation, limited internal collaboration and communication regarding the vaccine initiative beyond implementation leads and innovation deliverers due to competing priorities and segmented roles and responsibilities, and insufficient involvement of the most participant-facing staff (i.e., the SSP’s peer navigators and outreach workers).ConclusionsImplementing onsite COVID-19 vaccines was perceived as feasible and acceptable by frontline staff at the SSP, however contextual factors impeded optimal implementation. Multilevel strategies, such as participant compensation for vaccine completion and internal educational meetings with staff to improve vaccine implementation and reach, are required. As a trusted source of preventative services for PWID, SSPs are an underutilized venue for increasing vaccine uptake among this population, and findings from this study could inform the expansion of low-barrier vaccine services at SSPs nationwide.

The association between tobacco use and COVID-19 diagnoses in three Nordic countries: a pooled analysis.

Previous research has suggested an unexpected negative association between smoking and susceptibility to COVID-19. This study, drawing on population-based data from three Nordic countries-Sweden, Norway, and Finland-aims to investigate this association further, capitalizing on diversity introduced by different containment measures. The objective of this research was to examine the association between cigarette smoking and snus (smokeless tobacco) use and the risk of confirmed COVID-19 infection. A pooled analysis integrating original data from 547,685 participants across three countries. We used a multiple imputation approach based on conditional probabilities to impute the systematically missing covariates. The associations between tobacco use and COVID-19 infection were assessed, controlling for potential confounding factors. Current cigarette smokers had a lower risk of a confirmed COVID-19 case, whereas there was an increased risk among snus users. Our sensitivity analysis confirmed that the associations between tobacco use and COVID-19 infection risk are robust, remaining consistent regardless of whether covariate imputation was applied. Findings support a negative association between smoking and SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not the hypothesis that nicotine may be protective against the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Online complementary interventions for the development of social communication in children during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

For elementary school children, engaging in diverse communication experiences with peers of varying ages during free play is crucial for developing social adaptability. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented interruption to this learning process, as the new school year in Japan, which typically starts in April, began with widespread school closures. A novel intervention was implemented to address the ongoing societal constraints of the &amp;ldquo;stay-at-home&amp;rdquo; mandate and the uncertainty surrounding its duration. This intervention aimed to facilitate and promote peer communication while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 infection. It utilized then-unfamiliar Internet-based conferencing systems on Children&amp;rsquo;s Day, 1 month into the new school year. We explored two main analytical aspects to enhance the efficacy of this communication method: first, the types of play proposed by children that attracted the highest participation from unfamiliar peers; second, the duration of participation and communication, particularly regarding age and gender differences. Remarkably, despite only 2 days&amp;rsquo; notice, 15 children aged 4 &amp;ndash; 14 from five different, previously unknown communities located 1,000 km apart participated enthusiastically. In the first investigation, 12 types of play were introduced by the children. The most engaging activities included collaborative drawing on a shared online whiteboard and a scavenger hunt for specified objects. Notably, older children participated significantly longer in the online presenter&amp;rsquo;s activities, while younger children preferred to play within their own community. This study proposes that online conferencing can facilitate social interaction among children during pandemics. The intervention successfully fostered collaborative play among children of varying ages and from distant locations. In addition, the findings indicate the necessity to adjust the quality and focus of interventions based on age-specific psychological development. Further verification with more implementation examples and a larger participant pool is required.

Epidemiological trends of SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy in Chicago

Abstract Background The epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 has varied significantly across age groups, specifically children. Immune and physiologic changes in pregnancy can lead to increased susceptibility to infection. Pregnant people were at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infections and obstetric complications, particularly before vaccine availability. We investigated epidemiologic trends of SARS-CoV-2 cases in pregnant people over time compared to trends in the general population and various age subgroups. We hypothesized that rates of SAR-CoV-2 infection in pregnant people may show a similar pattern to children rather than nonpregnant adults. Methods Cases of pregnant persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection who delivered at Prentice Women’s Hospital (Chicago, IL) were identified through the electronic medical record (March 2020-November 2022). Prentice has ~12,000 births annually. Clinical data collection for SARS-CoV-2 cases included the date of positive test, maternal demographics, vaccination status, severity, and latency (days between SARS-CoV-2 infection and delivery). SARS-CoV-2 cases rates in Chicago (cases/100,000; total; age 0-17 years, ≥18 years) were obtained from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Monthly average SARS-CoV-2 rates were calculated to visualize trends over the study period using Microsoft Excel. Results A total of 3,474 SARS-CoV-2 cases in pregnancy were included in the final dataset; 497 cases were excluded from analyses due to incomplete data to pinpoint timing of infection. The median maternal age was 33 years (IQR 30-36) with a median latency of 72 days (IQR 22-143.75). Over half (2206) of pregnant persons received COVID-19 vaccination. In terms of timing, 514 people (15%) tested positive during their 1st trimester, 1017 (29%) in 2nd trimester, and 1943 (56%) in 3rd trimester. The trends of SARS-CoV-2 cases over time among pregnant persons coincide closely with trends among children in Chicago rather than adults [Figure 1]. A steep spike and higher SARS-CoV-2 rates were observed in pregnancy during the initial Omicron variant surge (December 2021-January 2022) and in April-July 2022, during which children also led case rates. Earlier in the pandemic, pregnant people and children were less affected than non-pregnant adults. Conclusion We observed an interesting trend of SARS-CoV-2 cases among pregnant persons aligning with rates in children in Chicago rather than adults. Possible explanations include: 1) pregnant people exercising an abundance of caution prior to vaccine availability and knowledge about COVID-19 in pregnancy and 2) epidemiologic link of maternal exposure to children. This information may inform public health strategies and effective precautions in future epidemics/pandemics to keep patients safe during pregnancy. Figure 1. Cases of SARS-CoV-2 in age and pregnancy subgroups in Chicago. Blue bars represent SARS-CoV-2 positive cases among pregnant people who later delivered at Prentice Women’s Hospital [left y-axis] March 2020-November 2022. Colored lines represent case rate (cases/100,000) in Chicago according to Chicago Department of Public Health data (yellow = total, purple = adults ≥18 years, red = children 0-17 years) [right y-axis].

The correlation between rituximab dose reduction and acute relapses of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, lessons from COVID-19 epidemic

BackgroundCOVID-19 was a viral infection that led to a global pandemic in March 2020. At the beginning of the pandemic, clinicians encountered the challenge of how immunosuppressive treatments would affect the course of COVID-19 infection in people with autoimmune diseases. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is an autoimmune astrocytopathy that is caused by an inflammation in the CNS. Major treatments to prevent acute relapses include immunosuppressive drugs. Rituximab is a well-established immunosuppressive agent in NMOSD maintenance therapy. Some reports suggested that treatment with Rituximab might increase the risk of COVID-19 infection and its mortality in NMOSD. On the other hand, dose reduction or extended interval treatment might lead to acute relapses of NMOSD and permanent disability. MethodsIn this study, we evaluated the correlation between the dose of rituximab and the relapse rate of NMOSD during an epidemic. This was an observational study on 171 patients among whom 55 cases were seropositive. Some patients received full dose rituximab routinely (1000 mg/dose, every 6 months), but others were treated with half dose (500 mg/dose) during the epidemic. Also, some doses were prescribed with a delay, based on the level of CD19 and CD20. ResultsThe Pearson correlation coefficient (r) showed a negative and significant relation (r: - 0.19, p: 0.022) between the amount of drug and the number of relapses in the seropositive group, so low dosage of the drug was related to more acute relapses. In seronegative cases, there was not any valuable relationship. (p: 0.367). ConclusionLower dose of rituximab, especially in seropositive NMOSD patients, can potentially lead to acute relapses. So, the more frequent evaluation of the CD19, CD20, and, CD27 levels, and the general clinical condition of the patients should be considered.

Risk factors, timing and frequency of occurrence of post-COVID syndrome in workers with intensive computer workload

According to leading experts of the World Health Organization, the threat of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains, which will lead to a sharp increase in morbidity and mortality. The severity of complications after COVID-19 depends not only on how severe the disease was, but also on other factors: genetic predisposition, age, concomitant diseases, and working conditions. This makes it urgent to conduct further scientific research on the ranking of the factors of the production environment that accelerate the spread of COVID-19. The study aims to determine the degree of occupational risk, taking into account the timing and frequency of manifestations of post-COVID syndrome (U09.9; U10.9 according to ICD–X) in specialists with intensive computer workload. In the period 2020–2024, the researchers conducted a survey at the workplaces of Kislovodsk enterprises and examined 556 people with an intensive computer load associated with servicing the flows of mass consumers during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic period. We have studied the timing and frequency of the occurrence of post-COVID syndrome, objectified by the degree of health risk factors in various categories of workers with intensive computer workload. The timing and frequency of seven post-COVID syndrome manifestations ranked (according to the degree of occupational health risk factors) (U09.9; U10.9 according to ICD-X) that occur in workers with intensive computer workload in the first two weeks after discharge from the hospital during hospitalization for COVID-19 (occupational health risk factors category A) or arising within three to four weeks after discharge from the hospital during hospitalization for COVID-19 (occupational health risk factors of category B). Based on statistical and clinical and hygienic data obtained in the period from 2020 to 2024, post-COVID manifestations in the gradations of "high" and "moderately high" occupational health risk for employees (n=556) with intensive computer load were ranked by the timing and frequency of occurrence of the named syndrome, as well as by the degree of risk of potential COVID-19 infections of the named groups of specialists associated with servicing mass consumer flows infected with constantly mutating representatives of enveloped RNA viruses. According to the degree of occupational risk to the health of persons with intensive computer workload, six groups of specialists associated with servicing mass consumer flows, potentially infected with COVID-19 and other representatives of enveloped RNA viruses, were ranked. Limitations. Post-COVID syndromes that occur within one to two and three to four weeks after discharge from the hospital have been studied. Ethics. Scientists have conducted research in accordance with the principles of biomedical ethics and approved by the local Ethics Committee of Izmerov Research Institute of Occupation Health, Moscow (Protocol No. 4 dated 04/14/2021). Each participant of the study submitted a voluntary written informed consent signed by him after explaining to him the potential risks and benefits.

Quality of Internet-Based Information on COVID-19 and Dentistry

Aim: Dentists and their patients were at high risk for COVID-19 infection. As websites serve as a primary information source for many, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of information provided by websites regarding COVID-19 and dentistry. Materials and Methods: An online search was conducted on Google.com using the keywords ‘SARS CoV-2 and dentistry’, ‘COVID-19 and dentistry’ and ‘Coronavirus and dentistry’. The first 50 websites for each keyword were screened in incognito mode. After excluding duplicates, inaccessible and irrelevant websites, 88 websites remained for analysis. These websites were evaluated using the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HON code) and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, which assess authorship, attribution, disclosure and currency of information. Descriptive statistical analyses, chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA were performed. Results: A total of 88 websites were found suitable for quality assessment. Only three of the websites had HON code accreditation. The mean JAMA benchmark score was 3.75 ± 0.7. The majority of the websites (62.5%) were academic, with a JAMA score of 3.84 ± 0.5. News and non-profit sites had the highest JAMA scores (4.0). Significant differences in JAMA scores were observed across different types of websites ( p &lt; .05). Conclusions: The study found that the quality of websites providing information about COVID-19 and dentistry was generally high, especially among academic sites. This highlights the importance of high-quality online information to ensure that dentists and patients have access to accurate and reliable data during the pandemic.

CD14 gene polymorphism in COVID-19 convalescents: analysis of (C-159)T

Cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) is a pattern recognition receptor for lipopolysaccharide of gram-negative flora and has a close relationship with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The interaction between CD14 and TLR 4 leads to the synthesis of cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-á. The TLR4 receptor is associated with the penetration of the new coronavirus infection virus into the cell, additionally stimulating the expression of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 molecule and suppressing apoptosis in infected cells. Work on the study of the (159C)T polymorphism of the CD14 gene in COVID-19 is represented by only a few publications describing observations only in the Western European region. The purpose of our study was to study the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the CD14 gene – (159C)T (rs2569190) and susceptibility to a new coronavirus infection in the population of the Republic of Crimea. The study included 158 patients (87 women (55%) and 71 (45%) men, average age 45.6±6.14 years) who had COVID-19. Verification of previous COVID-19 was based on anamnestic data and data from studies performed at the time of illness (PCR). The control group consisted of 85 respondents who had not suffered a new coronavirus infection. To analyze the (C-159)T polymorphism of the CD14 gene, allele-specific PCR with electrophoretic detection in a 3% agarose gel (NPF "Litekh", Russia) was used. To compare the frequencies of allele combinations, the ÷2 test and odds ratio (95% CI) were used. The distribution of CD14 mutations followed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p 0.05). The results of the study showed that the distribution of CD14 gene genotypes did not differ significantly in all study groups. The dominant genotype was the heterozygous genotype CT of the (C-159)T polymorphism of the CD14 gene. The analysis showed that the presence of CT and TT SNPs was not associated with the risk of developing a new coronavirus infection (p 0.05). Conclusions. The CD14 SNP (C-159)T is not associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. The distribution of occurrence of SNP variants in the group of recovered individuals did not differ significantly from that in the control group (p 0.05).

Antibody Persistence and Risk of COVID-19 Infection: Insights from Modeling.

In this post hoc exploratory study of the APHP-COVIBOOST trial (NCT05124171), we used statistical modeling to describe the evolution of neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers over time, asses its impact on SARS-CoV-2 infection, and explore potential differences between three booster vaccine formulations (D614, B.1.351, and BNT162b2). Antibody titers were measured for 208 adult participants at day 28, 3 months, and 6 months using a microneutralization assay against different Omicron subvariants. We developed four specific Bayesian statistical models based on a core model, accounting for vaccine-specific antibody decline, boosting of nAb for breakthrough infection, and risk of infection according to nAb levels. The model findings were cross-verified using another validated microneutralization assay. The decrease in nAb titers was significantly lower for the B.1.351 vaccine than for the other booster formulations. An inverse relationship was found between risk of infection upon exposure and nAb levels. With Omicron BA.1 data, these results translated into a positive relative vaccine efficacy against any infection over 6 months for the B.1.351 vaccine compared to the BNT162b2 (31%) and D614 (21%) vaccines. Risk of infection decreased with increasing nAb titers for all vaccines. Statistical models predicted significantly better antibody persistence for the B.1.351 booster formulation compared to the other evaluated vaccines.

EVUSHELD EFFICACY AND SAFETY IN AUTOIMMUNE RHEUMATIC DISEASES TREATED BY RITUXIMAB: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL TRIAL

Background: B cell depleting therapy (rituximab) results in impaired ability to mount a humoral immune response. Evusheld, tixagevimab 150mg co-packaged with cilgavimab 150mg, is a passive vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Objective: Evaluate prospectively the efficacy and safety of Evusheld vaccine for preventing or mitigating SARS-COV2 infection in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD) treated with rituximab. Methods: We compared patients treated with rituximab, who agreed to receive Evusheld, to patients who refused. The primary outcome was the risk of severe COVID19 infection from omicron variant. Results: 45 AIRD patients in the intervention group and 26 in the control group, were recruited. There was no difference between the groups with regard to sex, age, years of rituximab treatment, previous mRNA vaccination and serum immunoglobulins level. No difference in the infection rate was found between intervention group and control group (21 (49%) versus 12 (48%). Four patients had a severe infection, 3 in the control group and 1 in the intervention group. Evusheld reduced the risk for severe infection by 94% (HR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.76, p-value 0.017). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Evusheld decreased the risk for severe COVID19 infection in patients with AIRD treated with rituximab in a period in which Omicron BA.5, BQ1 and BQ.1.1 variants were prevalent in Israel, with a favorable safety profile.

A Qualitative Study of the Views of Ethnic Minority Healthcare Workers Towards COVID-19 Vaccine Education (CoVE) to Support Vaccine Promotion and Uptake.

Ethnic minority healthcare workers (EMHCW) are at high risk of COVID-19 infection and adverse health outcomes, but vaccine uptake is low among ethnic minority communities, including EMHCW. We explored the views of EMHCW towards COVID-19 Vaccine Education (CoVE), a digital training resource to improve knowledge and confidence for promoting the COVID-19 vaccine. Thirty EMHCW completed CoVE, then participated in a semi-structured qualitative interview. Principles of framework analysis were used to deductively analyse data using concepts from the Kirkpatrick New World Model of training evaluation. CoVE was viewed to be engaging, accessible and relevant to EMHCW. This training increased EMHCW perceived knowledge and confidence to provide evidence-based information to others, dispel myths, and reduce vaccine hesitancy. Participants reported changes in vaccine promotion behaviours and vaccine uptake. CoVE could be used to help improve vaccine literacy among EMHCW, enhance health communications about vaccines, and ultimately help facilitate uptake of occupational vaccination programs.

Poor stress resilience in adolescence predicts higher risk of severe COVID-19 and other respiratory infections: A prospective cohort study of 1.4 million Swedish men

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations between stress resilience in late adolescence and later risk of severe COVID-19 and other lower respiratory infections. A secondary aim was to examine potential confounding between low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and stress resilience in relation to respiratory infection. MethodsWe conducted a registry-based cohort study of 1.4 million Swedish men, undergoing military conscription between 1968 and 2005. All were assessed by a psychologist for stress resilience, receiving a score between 1 and 9. The outcomes were hospitalization or death due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to September 2021 and hospitalization due to bacterial or viral pneumonia from conscription until January 2020. A secondary aim was to examine potential confounding between low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and stress resilience in relation to respiratory infection. ResultsPoor stress resilience in late adolescence is associated with later risk of severe lower respiratory infections. Using a high resilience score as the reference, the hazard ratio (95 % CI) for death due to COVID-19 for the lowest scores was 1.49 (1.01–2.18) adjusted for CRF and other confounders. The corresponding adjusted hazard ratios for hospitalization due to bacterial pneumonia were 2.28 (2.03–2.57) and for viral pneumonia 1.92 (1.33–2.79). No significant interaction was seen between stress resilience and CRF in the analysis. ConclusionsPoor stress resilience is a prospective factor for severe COVID-19 as well as for bacterial and viral respiratory pneumonia endpoints, independent of CRF. These findings imply an effect of late adolescent stress resilience on the immune system later in life.