This study aims to explore the experiences of frontline hospital nurses over 18 months of struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. The qualitative thematic analysis method was applied. Twenty-three nurses from nine tertiary hospitals in Israel were interviewed using semi-structured interviews via the ZOOM platform between August and September 2021. Interviews were video recorded and transcribed verbatim. Trustworthiness was assured by using qualitative criteria and the COREQ checklist. Results: Both negative and positive experiences were reported: threat and uncertainty along with awareness of their important mission; anxiety and helplessness alongside courage and heroism. Personal management strategies emerged: regulating overwhelming emotions and managing work–life balance. Team support emerged as the most meaningful source of nurses’ struggle with the pandemic. A sense of intimacy and solidarity enabled the processing of the shared traumatic experiences. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of nurses’ experiences through the pandemic was gained. Informal peer support has proven effective in struggling with the events. Formal interventions, such as affective–cognitive processing of traumatic events, need to be integrated into practice. Healthcare policymakers should promote better support for caregivers, which will contribute to their well-being and impact the quality of care they provide.
{"title":"“Being There for Each Other”: Hospital Nurses’ Struggle during the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"H. Admi, L. Inchi, S. Bord, S. Shahrabani","doi":"10.3390/covid4070068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4070068","url":null,"abstract":"This study aims to explore the experiences of frontline hospital nurses over 18 months of struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic. The qualitative thematic analysis method was applied. Twenty-three nurses from nine tertiary hospitals in Israel were interviewed using semi-structured interviews via the ZOOM platform between August and September 2021. Interviews were video recorded and transcribed verbatim. Trustworthiness was assured by using qualitative criteria and the COREQ checklist. Results: Both negative and positive experiences were reported: threat and uncertainty along with awareness of their important mission; anxiety and helplessness alongside courage and heroism. Personal management strategies emerged: regulating overwhelming emotions and managing work–life balance. Team support emerged as the most meaningful source of nurses’ struggle with the pandemic. A sense of intimacy and solidarity enabled the processing of the shared traumatic experiences. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of nurses’ experiences through the pandemic was gained. Informal peer support has proven effective in struggling with the events. Formal interventions, such as affective–cognitive processing of traumatic events, need to be integrated into practice. Healthcare policymakers should promote better support for caregivers, which will contribute to their well-being and impact the quality of care they provide.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":" 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141672040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Muthuka, J. M. Nzioki, Jack Oluoch Kelly, Everlyn Nyamai Musangi, Lucy Chepkemei Chebungei, Rosemary Nabaweesi, Michael Kibet Kiptoo
Objectives: We aimed to assess the prevalence of long COVID-19 and estimate the average time to its diagnosis and meta-regression for covariates. Methods: We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression from 43 studies (367,236 patients) (June 2020–August 2022). With the random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of long COVID-19 was measured. Publication bias was ascertained, and meta-regression analysis was performed on predetermined covariates. The trial was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022328509). Results: The pooled prevalence of long COVID-19 was 42.5% (95% CI 36% to 49.3%), with 25% and 66% at four and two months, respectively. Mostly, long COVID-19 signs and symptoms occurred at three (54.3%) to six (57%) months (p < 0.0001), further increasing at 12 months (57.9%, p = 0.0148). Hypertension was significantly associated with long COVID-19 at 32% (0.322 (95% CI 0.166, 0.532) (p < 0.001) and hospital re-admission contributed to 17% (Q = 8.70, df = 1, p = 0.0032) (R2 = 0.17). All the covariates explained at least some of the variance in effect size on long COVID-19 at 53% (Q = 38.81, df = 19, p = 0.0047) (R2 analog = 0.53). Conclusion: The prevalence of long COVID-19 was 42.5% when linked with a cardiovascular disorder. Hospital re-admission majorly predicted the incidence of long COVID-19. Clinical and methodological characteristics in a specific study contributed to over 50% of long COVID-19 events, with most signs and symptoms occurring between 3 and 6 months and increasing at 12 months.
{"title":"Prevalence and Predictors of Long COVID-19 and the Average Time to Diagnosis in the General Population: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression","authors":"J. Muthuka, J. M. Nzioki, Jack Oluoch Kelly, Everlyn Nyamai Musangi, Lucy Chepkemei Chebungei, Rosemary Nabaweesi, Michael Kibet Kiptoo","doi":"10.3390/covid4070067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4070067","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: We aimed to assess the prevalence of long COVID-19 and estimate the average time to its diagnosis and meta-regression for covariates. Methods: We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression from 43 studies (367,236 patients) (June 2020–August 2022). With the random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of long COVID-19 was measured. Publication bias was ascertained, and meta-regression analysis was performed on predetermined covariates. The trial was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022328509). Results: The pooled prevalence of long COVID-19 was 42.5% (95% CI 36% to 49.3%), with 25% and 66% at four and two months, respectively. Mostly, long COVID-19 signs and symptoms occurred at three (54.3%) to six (57%) months (p < 0.0001), further increasing at 12 months (57.9%, p = 0.0148). Hypertension was significantly associated with long COVID-19 at 32% (0.322 (95% CI 0.166, 0.532) (p < 0.001) and hospital re-admission contributed to 17% (Q = 8.70, df = 1, p = 0.0032) (R2 = 0.17). All the covariates explained at least some of the variance in effect size on long COVID-19 at 53% (Q = 38.81, df = 19, p = 0.0047) (R2 analog = 0.53). Conclusion: The prevalence of long COVID-19 was 42.5% when linked with a cardiovascular disorder. Hospital re-admission majorly predicted the incidence of long COVID-19. Clinical and methodological characteristics in a specific study contributed to over 50% of long COVID-19 events, with most signs and symptoms occurring between 3 and 6 months and increasing at 12 months.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":" 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141676284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Apart from reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, chest radiographs (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) scans were employed as crucial diagnostic methods for detecting the 2019 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Our objective is to examine three notable COVID-19 instances from patients across the globe, along with their CXR and CT data. The evaluation of the imaging characteristics of the reported instances was the primary objective of a methodical examination of the literature. We located more than several articles that had been published between 2020 and 2023. After the papers were examined, three major cases were chosen, including a COVID-19 assessment of imaging features (chest X-ray and CT scan). Corona viral diseases (COVID-19) pose a significant risk to healthcare facilities, especially when the patient has additional medical issues. It is challenging to understand the various chest radiography results because of the use of specialized and ambiguous terminology such as “airspace disease”, “pneumonia”, “infiltrates”, “patchy opacities”, and “hazy opacities”. The current investigation considered peer-reviewed case reports with Images features. Study designs, including reporting cases, were considered for imaging feature analysis.
{"title":"Images of Chest Computer Tomography (CT) and Radiation (X-ray) Demonstrating Clinical Manifestations of COVID-19: Review Article","authors":"A. Oglat","doi":"10.3390/covid4070066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4070066","url":null,"abstract":"Apart from reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, chest radiographs (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) scans were employed as crucial diagnostic methods for detecting the 2019 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Our objective is to examine three notable COVID-19 instances from patients across the globe, along with their CXR and CT data. The evaluation of the imaging characteristics of the reported instances was the primary objective of a methodical examination of the literature. We located more than several articles that had been published between 2020 and 2023. After the papers were examined, three major cases were chosen, including a COVID-19 assessment of imaging features (chest X-ray and CT scan). Corona viral diseases (COVID-19) pose a significant risk to healthcare facilities, especially when the patient has additional medical issues. It is challenging to understand the various chest radiography results because of the use of specialized and ambiguous terminology such as “airspace disease”, “pneumonia”, “infiltrates”, “patchy opacities”, and “hazy opacities”. The current investigation considered peer-reviewed case reports with Images features. Study designs, including reporting cases, were considered for imaging feature analysis.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":"33 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141685437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The reproduction number, R0, is an important parameter in epidemic models. It is interpreted as the average number of new cases resulted from each infected individual during the course of infection. In this paper, the R0 estimates since the outbreak of COVID-19 till 10 August 2020 for eight countries were computed using the package R{eSIR}. The computed values were examined and compared with the daily R0 estimates obtained by a static SIR model by aligning the days of infection, assuming a fixed number of days for the infected person to become confirmed/recover/die. The results showed that running R{eSIR} to obtain R0 estimates provided an easy mean of exploring epidemic data. Care must be taken in the interpretation of R0 as a measure of severity of the spread of an epidemic. Other factors, such as imported cases, need to be considered.
{"title":"Comparing the Change in R0 for the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eight Countries Using an SIR Model for Specific Periods","authors":"Tak Ching Leung","doi":"10.3390/covid4070065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4070065","url":null,"abstract":"The reproduction number, R0, is an important parameter in epidemic models. It is interpreted as the average number of new cases resulted from each infected individual during the course of infection. In this paper, the R0 estimates since the outbreak of COVID-19 till 10 August 2020 for eight countries were computed using the package R{eSIR}. The computed values were examined and compared with the daily R0 estimates obtained by a static SIR model by aligning the days of infection, assuming a fixed number of days for the infected person to become confirmed/recover/die. The results showed that running R{eSIR} to obtain R0 estimates provided an easy mean of exploring epidemic data. Care must be taken in the interpretation of R0 as a measure of severity of the spread of an epidemic. Other factors, such as imported cases, need to be considered.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":"52 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141710484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Through the lenses of teaching and teacher education, this article explores the evolving impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. Challenges associated with COVID-19 in schooling, learning, teaching, and teacher education are highlighted to showcase ongoing systemic inadequacies and emerging opportunities for change. Cultural assets are presented as a theoretical framework for bridging gaps between individualistic and collective approaches to learning. Specific classroom projects that foster cultural assets are connected with a larger educational movement for Ethnic Studies in public education in the United States to provide examples of ways that education can evolve in more equitable ways into the future.
{"title":"Deepening Divides or Inciting Change? Ongoing Impacts of COVID-19 on Teaching and Teacher Education in the United States","authors":"Noah Borrero","doi":"10.3390/covid4060051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4060051","url":null,"abstract":"Through the lenses of teaching and teacher education, this article explores the evolving impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. Challenges associated with COVID-19 in schooling, learning, teaching, and teacher education are highlighted to showcase ongoing systemic inadequacies and emerging opportunities for change. Cultural assets are presented as a theoretical framework for bridging gaps between individualistic and collective approaches to learning. Specific classroom projects that foster cultural assets are connected with a larger educational movement for Ethnic Studies in public education in the United States to provide examples of ways that education can evolve in more equitable ways into the future.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":"140 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141368646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Ayieko, Christine Markham, Kimberly Baker, Sarah E. Messiah
Pregnant women, considered at risk of COVID-19 complications because of the immunosuppressive and physiological changes in pregnancy, were initially hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccination. This study assessed the association between COVID-19 vaccination uptake, psychological determinants (health belief model (HBM) constructs, anticipated regret, trust in health authorities), and provider recommendation among pregnant women in Kenya. Using data from a cross-sectional study, we conducted correlations, binary and multivariable logistic regressions, and moderation analysis to explore relationships between COVID-19 vaccination and psychological variables. Of the 115 pregnant women, 64% reported receiving provider recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination. There were weak positive correlations between the variables. Participants with high anticipated regret scores were more likely to receive COVID-19 vaccination compared to their peers (AOR = 4.27; 95% CI, 1.23–14.85), while provider recommendation increased the odds of COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 3.70; 95% CI, 1.53–8.92). None of the HBM constructs were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination. The findings related to psychological variables require the reconceptualization of theory-informed interventions to streamline healthcare provision. The critical role of healthcare providers in COVID-19 vaccination recommendations suggests a need to empower health practitioners with effective communication skills to improve maternal health outcomes.
{"title":"Psychological Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake among Pregnant Women in Kenya: A Comprehensive Model Integrating Health Belief Model Constructs, Anticipated Regret, and Trust in Health Authorities","authors":"S. Ayieko, Christine Markham, Kimberly Baker, Sarah E. Messiah","doi":"10.3390/covid4060050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4060050","url":null,"abstract":"Pregnant women, considered at risk of COVID-19 complications because of the immunosuppressive and physiological changes in pregnancy, were initially hesitant to receive COVID-19 vaccination. This study assessed the association between COVID-19 vaccination uptake, psychological determinants (health belief model (HBM) constructs, anticipated regret, trust in health authorities), and provider recommendation among pregnant women in Kenya. Using data from a cross-sectional study, we conducted correlations, binary and multivariable logistic regressions, and moderation analysis to explore relationships between COVID-19 vaccination and psychological variables. Of the 115 pregnant women, 64% reported receiving provider recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination. There were weak positive correlations between the variables. Participants with high anticipated regret scores were more likely to receive COVID-19 vaccination compared to their peers (AOR = 4.27; 95% CI, 1.23–14.85), while provider recommendation increased the odds of COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 3.70; 95% CI, 1.53–8.92). None of the HBM constructs were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination. The findings related to psychological variables require the reconceptualization of theory-informed interventions to streamline healthcare provision. The critical role of healthcare providers in COVID-19 vaccination recommendations suggests a need to empower health practitioners with effective communication skills to improve maternal health outcomes.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":"59 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141382985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Behrouz Danesh, Shannon Freeman, Piper J. Jackson, T. Klassen-Ross, Alexandria Freeman-Idemilih, D. Banner
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on long-term care facilities (LTCFs). While much attention has been paid to the impact of the pandemic on residents, less attention has been given to the experiences of staff and factors impacting their resilience in facing challenges working in LTCF. This research describes the factors contributing to the resiliency of LTCF staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in northern British Columbia (BC). Transcripts from 53 participants who completed one-hour semi-structured interviews were included and thematic analysis was conducted. All participants had experience working in a LTCF facility in northern BC during the pandemic. The LTCF staff described resilience as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and protocols, while also maintaining a positive attitude and uplifting spirits during times of adversity. The analysis revealed five key themes influencing staff resilience: (1) availability and provision of resources for staff, (2) leadership and management within LTCFs, (3) social support available to staff, (4) impact of residents’ morale on staff resilience, and (5) personal attributes and characteristics of the staff. Understanding and addressing the five themes can guide the development of targeted strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing staff resilience and well-being during challenging circumstances. By recognizing and addressing the specific needs of LTCF staff, it is possible to improve the overall quality of care provided in LTCF and promote the well-being of both residents and staff. The findings shed light on the interplay of these themes and their profound influence on LTCF staff. Identifying staff’s needs and factors that contribute to their resilience may lower staff turnover, leading to a stronger and more resilient healthcare system, capable of safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
{"title":"Staff Resiliency in Long-Term Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study","authors":"Behrouz Danesh, Shannon Freeman, Piper J. Jackson, T. Klassen-Ross, Alexandria Freeman-Idemilih, D. Banner","doi":"10.3390/covid4060049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4060049","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on long-term care facilities (LTCFs). While much attention has been paid to the impact of the pandemic on residents, less attention has been given to the experiences of staff and factors impacting their resilience in facing challenges working in LTCF. This research describes the factors contributing to the resiliency of LTCF staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in northern British Columbia (BC). Transcripts from 53 participants who completed one-hour semi-structured interviews were included and thematic analysis was conducted. All participants had experience working in a LTCF facility in northern BC during the pandemic. The LTCF staff described resilience as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and protocols, while also maintaining a positive attitude and uplifting spirits during times of adversity. The analysis revealed five key themes influencing staff resilience: (1) availability and provision of resources for staff, (2) leadership and management within LTCFs, (3) social support available to staff, (4) impact of residents’ morale on staff resilience, and (5) personal attributes and characteristics of the staff. Understanding and addressing the five themes can guide the development of targeted strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing staff resilience and well-being during challenging circumstances. By recognizing and addressing the specific needs of LTCF staff, it is possible to improve the overall quality of care provided in LTCF and promote the well-being of both residents and staff. The findings shed light on the interplay of these themes and their profound influence on LTCF staff. Identifying staff’s needs and factors that contribute to their resilience may lower staff turnover, leading to a stronger and more resilient healthcare system, capable of safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":"92 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141272273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
One of the most pressing challenges associated with SARS treatment is the emergence of new variants that may be transmissible, causing more severe disease or being resistant to the current standard of treatment. This study aimed to identify potential drug candidates from novel imidazole derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), a crucial drug target for treating viral infection, using a computational approach that integrated molecular docking and dynamics simulation. In this study, we utilized AutoDock Vina within the PyRx workspace for molecular docking analysis to explore the inhibitory effects of the compounds on the Mpro, a drug target for SARS-CoV-2. The ADMET properties of these compounds, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, were evaluated using the SwissADME and ADMETLab servers. Each of the 18 compounds that were tested demonstrated strong binding affinities towards Mpro, with imidazolyl–methanone C10 showing the most significant binding affinity. Moreover, pyridyl–imidazole C5, thiophenyl–imidazole C1, and quinoline–imidazole C14 displayed binding affinities of −8.3, −8.2, and −7.7 Kcal/mol, respectively. These compounds interacted with specific amino acid residues (HIS A:41—CYS A:145) within the Mpro protein. To assess the stability of the ligand with the best binding affinity, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted using Schrodinger software, which revealed its stability over the simulation period. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of imidazole derivatives as SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. All compounds including C10 display promising characteristics and hold potential as drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2. However, further optimization and experimental validation of these compounds are necessary to advance their development as effective therapeutics against viral infections.
{"title":"Computational Discovery of Novel Imidazole Derivatives as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: An Integrated Approach Combining Molecular Dynamics and Binding Affinity Analysis","authors":"B. A. Babalola, A. Adegboyega","doi":"10.3390/covid4060046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4060046","url":null,"abstract":"One of the most pressing challenges associated with SARS treatment is the emergence of new variants that may be transmissible, causing more severe disease or being resistant to the current standard of treatment. This study aimed to identify potential drug candidates from novel imidazole derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), a crucial drug target for treating viral infection, using a computational approach that integrated molecular docking and dynamics simulation. In this study, we utilized AutoDock Vina within the PyRx workspace for molecular docking analysis to explore the inhibitory effects of the compounds on the Mpro, a drug target for SARS-CoV-2. The ADMET properties of these compounds, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, were evaluated using the SwissADME and ADMETLab servers. Each of the 18 compounds that were tested demonstrated strong binding affinities towards Mpro, with imidazolyl–methanone C10 showing the most significant binding affinity. Moreover, pyridyl–imidazole C5, thiophenyl–imidazole C1, and quinoline–imidazole C14 displayed binding affinities of −8.3, −8.2, and −7.7 Kcal/mol, respectively. These compounds interacted with specific amino acid residues (HIS A:41—CYS A:145) within the Mpro protein. To assess the stability of the ligand with the best binding affinity, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted using Schrodinger software, which revealed its stability over the simulation period. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of imidazole derivatives as SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. All compounds including C10 display promising characteristics and hold potential as drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2. However, further optimization and experimental validation of these compounds are necessary to advance their development as effective therapeutics against viral infections.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":"46 17","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141103478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
As a pharmaceutical intervention, vaccines remain a major public health strategy for mitigating the effects of COVID-19. Yet, vaccine intake has been affected by various cognitive and cultural factors. We examine how a selected set of factors (i.e., knowledge, concern, media, peer influence, and demographics) shaped COVID-19 vaccination intention in the early phase of the pandemic (Fall 2020). Using a survey conducted in three US states (Idaho, Texas, and Vermont) just prior to the rollout of the first vaccines against COVID-19, we find that COVID-19 concern was the primary driver of vaccination intention. Concern was shaped mainly by two factors: political ideology and media sources. Yet, ideology and media were much more important in affecting concern for those who leaned politically conservative, as opposed to those who leaned liberal or remained moderate. The results from our structural equation models affirm that the information politically conservative respondents were receiving reinforced the effects of their ideology, leading to a greater reduction in their concern. We discuss the potential implications of these findings for future pandemic preparedness.
{"title":"How Political Ideology and Media Shaped Vaccination Intention in the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States","authors":"Dilshani Sarathchandra, Jennifer Johnson-Leung","doi":"10.3390/covid4050045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4050045","url":null,"abstract":"As a pharmaceutical intervention, vaccines remain a major public health strategy for mitigating the effects of COVID-19. Yet, vaccine intake has been affected by various cognitive and cultural factors. We examine how a selected set of factors (i.e., knowledge, concern, media, peer influence, and demographics) shaped COVID-19 vaccination intention in the early phase of the pandemic (Fall 2020). Using a survey conducted in three US states (Idaho, Texas, and Vermont) just prior to the rollout of the first vaccines against COVID-19, we find that COVID-19 concern was the primary driver of vaccination intention. Concern was shaped mainly by two factors: political ideology and media sources. Yet, ideology and media were much more important in affecting concern for those who leaned politically conservative, as opposed to those who leaned liberal or remained moderate. The results from our structural equation models affirm that the information politically conservative respondents were receiving reinforced the effects of their ideology, leading to a greater reduction in their concern. We discuss the potential implications of these findings for future pandemic preparedness.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":"45 17","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141118952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
(1) Background: The interplay between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and laryngeal cancer represents a substantial challenge for both patients and healthcare. To garner information on recent mortality data for laryngeal cancer, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyzed real-world data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2) Methods: We searched the CDC WONDER online database 2018–2022 using the ICD-10 code for laryngeal cancer (C32; malignant neoplasm of the larynx). We also performed a sub-analysis between genders and across ten-year age groups. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test. (3) Results: The trend of age-adjusted mortality ×100,000 did not change significantly between the years 2018 and 2022 (p = 0.553). Males had higher age-adjusted mortality rates (M/F ratios between 4.6 and 5.0), but no significant variation was found in both genders (males: p = 0.676; females: p = 0.596). Although the mortality rate remained unchanged in people aged 35–84 years, the variation reached statistical significance in those aged 85 or older (p = 0.004), displaying a significant increase in 2021 compared to 2018 (p = 0.006) and 2019 (p = 0.039). (4) Conclusions: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality for laryngeal cancer seems to be relatively modest in the general US population. Nevertheless, closer attention must be paid to older people, for whom the unfavorable consequences of misdiagnosis or mistreatment of this and other types of cancers can be exacerbated.
{"title":"Mortality of Laryngeal Cancer before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"R. Nocini, G. Lippi, C. Mattiuzzi","doi":"10.3390/covid4050044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4050044","url":null,"abstract":"(1) Background: The interplay between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and laryngeal cancer represents a substantial challenge for both patients and healthcare. To garner information on recent mortality data for laryngeal cancer, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyzed real-world data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2) Methods: We searched the CDC WONDER online database 2018–2022 using the ICD-10 code for laryngeal cancer (C32; malignant neoplasm of the larynx). We also performed a sub-analysis between genders and across ten-year age groups. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test. (3) Results: The trend of age-adjusted mortality ×100,000 did not change significantly between the years 2018 and 2022 (p = 0.553). Males had higher age-adjusted mortality rates (M/F ratios between 4.6 and 5.0), but no significant variation was found in both genders (males: p = 0.676; females: p = 0.596). Although the mortality rate remained unchanged in people aged 35–84 years, the variation reached statistical significance in those aged 85 or older (p = 0.004), displaying a significant increase in 2021 compared to 2018 (p = 0.006) and 2019 (p = 0.039). (4) Conclusions: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality for laryngeal cancer seems to be relatively modest in the general US population. Nevertheless, closer attention must be paid to older people, for whom the unfavorable consequences of misdiagnosis or mistreatment of this and other types of cancers can be exacerbated.","PeriodicalId":72714,"journal":{"name":"COVID","volume":"2 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140964168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}