scholarly journals Age and Ageism in the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Does the Data Show?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 601-601
Author(s):  
Usha Dhakal ◽  
Suzanne Kunkel

Abstract Gerontologists were quick to call out the resurgence of ageism that was reflected in the paternalistic, overgeneralized, and deficit views of aging that dominated discussions about age-associated risks of the disease and its consequences. One manifestation of the blunt and potentially ageism-promoting use of age in data about the virus is the failure to routinely distinguish the independent role of age alone, separate from its association with comorbidities. A related problem is the use of broad age categories, which can also mask the role of specific comorbidities. To address that gap, this study uses data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Feb 21, 2021 to calculate age-specific COVID-19 death rates (ASDR) and compare the extent to which comorbid conditions potentially associated with COVID-19 deaths were listed on death certificates. Findings showed that the ASDR was significantly higher for those 85 years and over (2249.96 per 100,000); the rate was 802.66 for 75-84 and 312.78 per 100,000 for 65-74. Death certificate information revealed that influenza and pneumonia was the major contributing comorbidity to COVID-19 deaths across all three age groups; (listed on 49% of the death certificates for those 65-74 who died with COVID-19, 46% of those 75-84, and 38% of those 85 and over). Future studies should be more precise about the use of age/age groups, about the rationale for those designations, and about the impact of age separate from comorbidities. Broad use of an arbitrary age as a proxy for frailty and illness contributes to ageism.

There have been significant changes in the numbers, patterns, and circumstances of refugees and in the political landscape to support humanitarianism since the publication of the first edition of this collection. Like the first edition, this volume provides a multidisciplinary perspective on refugee health, tracing the health repercussions on individuals and populations from the drivers of forced mass movements of populations from situations of conflict and other disasters through to the process of resettlement in countries other than their countries of origin. Drawing on the expertise of academics, practitioners, and UN frontline experts, the collection covers three main aspects of refugee health: the concepts, definitions, and context from a human rights, humanitarianism, and social determinants of health perspective; the intersection of vulnerabilities across age groups and settings; and the ethical challenges for practitioners and researchers working with forcibly displaced populations seeking to resettle. The collection concludes with an analysis of the role of the media in shaping our perceptions of refugees and the impact on policy and access to care.


1972 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Tyroler ◽  
Ralph Patrick

With data from the Papago population register and death certificates from the Arizona State Department of Health, vital rates and causes of death were examined for the decade 1950-59. Data were then divided to permit an assessment of the impact of residence in modern and traditional Papago communities on vital rates. Birth and death rates computed for the Papago population were in general agreement with similar data on Arizona Indian and U. S. Indian populations. Because of incompleteness of cause of death coding, mortality analysis was inconclusive. The vital rates for modern versus traditional communities disclosed differences which were the opposite of those predicted. Both birth and death rates were higher in modern than in traditional villages. This reversal may be explained by the inadequacy of the reporting system for vital events during the decade.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e031598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Meernik ◽  
Hannah M Baker ◽  
Sarah D Kowitt ◽  
Leah M Ranney ◽  
Adam O Goldstein

ObjectivesGiven the exponential increase in the use of e-cigarettes among younger age groups and in the growth in research on e-cigarette flavours, we conducted a systematic review examining the impact of non-menthol flavoured e-cigarettes on e-cigarette perceptions and use among youth and adults.DesignPubMed, Embase, PyscINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies published and indexed through March 2018.Eligibility criteriaQuantitative observational and experimental studies that assessed the effect of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use behaviours were included. Specific outcome measures assessed are appeal, reasons for use, risk perceptions, susceptibility, intention to try, initiation, preference, current use, quit intentions and cessation.Data extraction and synthesisThree authors independently extracted data related to the impact of flavours in tobacco products. Data from a previous review were then combined with those from the updated review for final analysis. Results were then grouped and analysed by outcome measure.ResultsThe review included 51 articles for synthesis, including 17 published up to 2016 and an additional 34 published between 2016 and 2018. Results indicate that non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes decrease harm perceptions (five studies) and increase willingness to try and initiation of e-cigarettes (six studies). Among adults, e-cigarette flavours increase product appeal (seven studies) and are a primary reason many adults use the product (five studies). The role of flavoured e-cigarettes on smoking cessation remains unclear (six studies).ConclusionThis review provides summary data on the role of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarette perceptions and use. Consistent evidence shows that flavours attract both youth and adults to use e-cigarettes. Given the clear findings that such flavours increase product appeal, willingness to try and initiation among youth, banning non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes may reduce youth e-cigarette use. Longitudinal research is needed to examine any role flavours may play in quit behaviours among adults.


2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 846
Author(s):  
Stanislas Martin ◽  
Audrey Foulon ◽  
Wissam El Hage ◽  
Diane Dufour-Rainfray ◽  
Frédéric Denis

The study aimed to examine the impact of the oropharyngeal microbiome in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and to clarify whether there might be a bidirectional link between the oral microbiota and the brain in a context of dysbiosis-related neuroinflammation. We selected nine articles including three systemic reviews with several articles from the same research team. Different themes emerged, which we grouped into 5 distinct parts concerning the oropharyngeal phageome, the oropharyngeal microbiome, the salivary microbiome and periodontal disease potentially associated with schizophrenia, and the impact of drugs on the microbiome and schizophrenia. We pointed out the presence of phageoma in patients suffering from schizophrenia and that periodontal disease reinforces the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Moreover, saliva could be an interesting substrate to characterize the different stages of schizophrenia. However, the few studies we have on the subject are limited in scope, and some of them are the work of a single team. At this stage of knowledge, it is difficult to conclude on the existence of a bidirectional link between the brain and the oral microbiome. Future studies on the subject will clarify these questions that for the moment remain unresolved.


Author(s):  
Carmelo Gurnari ◽  
Simona Pagliuca ◽  
Yihong Guan ◽  
Vera Adema ◽  
Courtney E Hershberger ◽  
...  

Decrease in DNA dioxygease activity generated by TET2 gene family is crucial in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The general down-regulation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) argues for a role of DNA demethylation in MDS beyond TET2 mutations, which albeit frequent, do not convey any prognostic significance. We investigated TETs expression to identify factors which can modulate the impact of mutations and thus 5-hmC levels on clinical phenotypes and prognosis of MDS patients. DNA/RNA-sequencing and 5-hmC data were collected from 1,665 patients with MDS and 91 controls. Irrespective of mutations, a significant fraction of MDS patients exhibited lower TET2 expression, while 5-hmC levels were not uniformly decreased. In searching for factors explaining compensatory mechanisms, we discovered that TET3 was up-regulated in MDS and inversely correlated with TET2 expression in wild-type cases. While TET2 was reduced across all age-groups, TET3 levels were increased in a likely feedback mechanism induced by TET2 dysfunction. This inverse relationship of TET2 and TET3 expression also corresponded to the expression of L-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase, involved in agonist/antagonist substrate metabolism. Importantly, elevated TET3 levels influenced the clinical phenotype of TET2-deficiency whereby the lack of compensation by TET3 (low TET3 expression) was associated with poor outcomes of TET2 mutant carriers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (05) ◽  
pp. 1101-1109
Author(s):  
Ashley B. Stephens ◽  
Chelsea S. Wynn ◽  
Annika M. Hofstetter ◽  
Chelsea Kolff ◽  
Oscar Pena ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Immunization reminders in electronic health records (EHR) provide clinical decision support (CDS) that can reduce missed immunization opportunities. Little is known about using CDS rules from a regional immunization information system (IIS) to power local EHR immunization reminders. Objective This study aimed to assess the impact of EHR reminders using regional IIS CDS-provided rules on receipt of immunizations in a low-income, urban population for both routine immunizations and those recommended for patients with chronic medical conditions (CMCs). Methods We built an EHR-based immunization reminder using the open-source resource used by the New York City IIS in which we overlaid logic regarding immunizations needed for CMCs. Using a randomized cluster-cross-over pragmatic clinical trial in four academic-affiliated clinics, we compared captured immunization opportunities during patient visits when the reminder was “on” versus “off” for the primary immunization series, school-age boosters, and adolescents. We also assessed coverage of CMC-specific immunizations. Up-to-date immunization was measured by end of quarter. Rates were compared using chi square tests. Results Overall, 15,343 unique patients were seen for 26,647 visits. The alert significantly impacted captured opportunities to complete the primary series in both well-child and acute care visits (57.6% on vs. 54.3% off, p = 0.001, and 15.3% on vs. 10.1% off, p = 0.02, respectively), among most age groups, and several immunization types. Captured opportunities for CMC-specific immunizations remained low regardless of alert status. The alert did not have an effect on up-to-date immunization overall (89.1 vs. 88.3%). Conclusion CDS in this population improved captured immunization opportunities. Baseline high rates may have blunted an up-to-date population effect. Converting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rules to generate sufficiently sensitive and specific alerts for CMC-specific immunizations proved challenging, and the alert did not have an impact on CMC-specific immunizations, potentially highlighting need for more work in this area.


Author(s):  
Gurpreet Kour Sodhi ◽  
Simarpreet Kaur ◽  
Gurjot Singh Gaba ◽  
Lavish Kansal ◽  
Ashutosh Sharma ◽  
...  

: The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to a global heath emergency. Emerging from China, it has now been declared as a pandemic. Owing to the fast pace at which it spreads, its control and prevention has now become the greatest challenge. The inner structural analysis of the virus is an important area of research for the invention of the potential drug. The Countries are following different strategies and policies to fight against COVID-19, various schemes have also been employed to cope up with the economic crisis. While the government is struggling to balance between the public health sector and the economic collapse, the researchers and medicine practitioners are inclined towards obtaining treatment and early detection of the deadly disease. Further, the impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry is alarming and posing severe threats to the professionals as well. Now, the technology is helping the countries fight against the disease. ML and AI based applications are substantially aiding the process for detection and diagnosis of novel corona virus. Science of Robotics is another approach followed with an aim to improve patient care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uta Düesberg ◽  
Julia Wosniok ◽  
Lutz Naehrlich ◽  
Patience Eschenhagen ◽  
Carsten Schwarz

Abstract Airway inflammation and chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are mostly caused by bacteria, e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). The role of fungi in the CF lung is still not well elucidated, but evidence for a harmful and complex role is getting stronger. The most common filamentous fungus in CF is Aspergillus fumigatus (AF). Age and continuous antibiotic treatment have been discussed as risk factors for AF colonisation but did not differentiate between transient and persistent AF colonisation. Also, the impact of co-colonisation of PA and AF on lung function is still under investigation. Data from patients with CF registered in the German Cystic Fibrosis Registry database in 2016 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed, involving descriptive and multivariate analysis to assess risk factors for transient or persistent AF colonisation. Age represented an independent risk factor for persistent AF colonisation. Prevalence was low in children less than ten years, highest in the middle age and getting lower in higher age (≥ 50 years). Continuous antibiotic lung treatment was significantly associated with AF prevalence in all age groups. CF patients with chronic PA infection had a lower lung function (FEV1%predicted), which was not influenced by an additional AF colonisation. AF colonisation without chronic PA infection, however, was significantly associated with a lower function, too. Older age up to 49 years and continuous antibiotic use were found to be the main risk factors for AF permanent colonisation. AF might be associated with decrease of lung function if not disguised by chronic PA infection.


2005 ◽  
Vol 120 (3) ◽  
pp. 288-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna L. Hoyert ◽  
Ann R. Lima

Objective. Data from death certificates are often used in research; however, little has been published on the processing of vague or incomplete information reported on certificates. The goal of this study was to examine the querying efforts in the United States used to clarify such records. Methods. The authors obtained data on the querying efforts of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia. Descriptive statistics are presented for two units of analysis: registration area and death record. Using data from a single registration area, Washington State, the authors compared the percent change in age-adjusted death rates for data from before and after querying to analyze the effect of querying on selected causes of death. Results. Fifty-one of the 52 registration areas queried either demographic or cause-of-death information. Almost 90% of queries were returned; the underlying cause of death changed in approximately 68% of these records. This data translates into about 3% of total U.S. death records, given that 4% of total U.S. death records were queried about cause of death. The impact of queries on age-adjusted death rates varied by cause of death. Generally, the effect is most obvious for cause-of-death categories that are specific and relatively homogenous. Conclusion. Querying continues to be widely practiced. In the case of cause-of-death queries, this method refines the assigned underlying cause of death for records reported with vague or incomplete information.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-362
Author(s):  
Márcia Borges Machado ◽  
Saulo Duarte Passos

ABSTRACT Objective: Through a systematic review, this essay aimed at revising the concepts of severe pertussis, updating the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, antibiotic therapy and auxiliary therapeutic options for symptomatology and complications. Data sources: This review considered publications from the last 30years in the databases US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Cochrane, Google Scholar, as well as protocols of the Ministry of Health and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, related to childhood pertussis (whooping cough), with emphasis on its severe form. This research was based on keywords derived from the terms “pertussis”, “azithromycin”, “antitussives”, “leukocyte reduction” in Portuguese and English. Duplicate studies and those with unavailable full-text were excluded. Data synthesis: Among 556 records found, 54 were selected for analysis. Pertussis, as a reemerging disease, has affected all age groups, evidencing the transient immunity conferred by infection and vaccination. Severe cases occur in neonates and infants, with secondary viral and bacterial complications and malignant pertussis, a longside hyperleukocytosis, respiratory failure and shock. Macrolides continue to be the chosen antibiotics, while antitussives for coughing remain without efficacy. The prompt treatment in Intensive Care Units improved the prognostic in severe cases, and transfusion was promising among procedures for leukoreduction. Conclusions: Approaching severe pertussis in childhood remains a challenge for diagnostic and therapy, as the available therapeutic options are still unsatisfactory. Strategies of prevention are expected to reduce the occurrence of severe cases, while new studies should confirm the role of auxiliary therapies.


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