scholarly journals Evaluation of viral loads in patients with SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infection: Higher loads do not translate into different testing scenarios

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Luis Gomez Marti ◽  
Ashley Mays ◽  
Melissa McCullough ◽  
Alan Wells ◽  
Tung Phan
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Allegheny County ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
The Third ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fourth Wave

The Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant is very infectious, and it is spreading quickly during this pandemic. In the study, we compared viral loads in surging cases infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in the fourth wave of COVID-19 with the three prior waves. The data comprised viral loads from positive cases detected within the UPMC health care system in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. A total of 2,059 upper airway samples were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 positive by RT-PCR during March 2020-September 2021. We did not observe significant difference in viral load difference between the third (December 2020 - January 2021) and fourth (June 2021 - September 2021) waves; however, they had the higher viral load than the first (March 2020 - June 2020) and second waves (June 2020 - August 2020). We did find an age-related effect with the elderly presenting with lower viral loads, which was also seen in the earlier waves. However, the level of viral load in the fourth wave was not sufficient higher to qualitatively change our expected detected rates using various testing modalities.

Decreased Neutrophil Cyclic AMP Response to Isoprenaline Stimulation in the Elderly

1983 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. G. Cotter ◽  
K. O'Malley
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Cyclic Amp ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Population Heterogeneity ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Young Subjects ◽  
Drug Free

1. Neutrophils from drug-free elderly subjects produced approximately 50% less cyclic AMP in response to isoprenaline than did neutrophils from young subjects. A significant difference in basal cyclic AMP levels was also evident (elderly 2.8 ± 0.37; young 4.9 ± 0.36 pmol of cAMP/107 cells; P < 0.05). 2. With a range of anti-neutrophil monoclonal antibodies no evidence of age-related neutrophil population heterogeneity was found. 3. These findings indicate that the age-related decline in β-adrenoceptor responsiveness is not due to changes in the neutrophil population. 4. The present results support the hypothesis that there is a generalized decline in β-adrenoceptor-mediated responsiveness in the elderly.

The Evaluation of the Awareness, Attitude and Practice of the Elderly Toward Self-Medication: A Cross-Sectional Study

Drug Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (08) ◽  
pp. 475-480
Author(s):  
Mohammad Heidari ◽  
Mansureh Borujeni ◽  
Mansour Ghafourifard ◽  
Rahim Sheikhi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of various diseases in the elderly has increased the use of drugs, which is coupled with age-related physiological changes and places the elderly at risk for multiple side effects. The present study aimed to determine awareness, attitudes and practices of elderly towards self-medication. Materials and Methods The sample included 300 participants over 60 years under any of the health centers in urban and rural areas of Abadeh city, who were selected based on stratified random sampling method. In order to collect data, the questionnaire including demographic information, awareness, attitude and performance of the elderly and the checklist of drug intractable consumption. Results Based on the results, 76% of the elderly reported drug consumption. Regarding lifestyle, the average score of the elderly’s awareness for the elderly who lived with and without families were 78.6±14.2 and 69.2±13.6, respectively. In other words, a significant difference was observed between these two groups. In addition, there was a significant between the elderly’s performance score with and without family members about the self-medication (p=0.001). Conclusion Considering the increase in self-medication among the elderly, adherence to prescription criteria for drug among this age group is recommended. Finally, designing and implementing various educational programs in health education center is necessary for the elderly and their families for the purpose of improving awareness and practice.

scholarly journals High Resolution Analysis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection In Vivo

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed Aljabr ◽  
Stuart Armstrong ◽  
Natasha Y. Rickett ◽  
Georgios Pollakis ◽  
Olivier Touzelet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
High Viral Load ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
High Resolution Analysis ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a major cause of pediatric infection and also causes disease in the elderly and those with underlying respiratory problems. There is no vaccine for HRSV and anti-viral therapeutics are not broadly applicable. To investigate the effect of HRSV biology in children, nasopharyngeal aspirates were taken from children with different viral loads and a combined high throughput RNAseq and label free quantitative proteomics approach was used to characterize the nucleic acid and proteins in these samples. HRSV proteins were identified in the nasopharyngeal aspirates from infected children, and their abundance correlated with viral load (Ct value), confirming HRSV infection. Analysis of the HRSV genome indicated that the children were infected with sub-group A virus and that minor variants in nucleotide frequency occurred in discrete clusters along the HRSV genome, and within a patient clustered distinctly within the glycoprotein gene. Data from the samples were binned into four groups; no-HRSV infection (control), high viral load (Ct < 20), medium viral load (Ct = 20–25), and low viral load (Ct > 25). Cellular proteins associated with the anti-viral response (e.g., ISG15) were identified in the nasopharyngeal aspirates and their abundance was correlated with viral load. These combined approaches have not been used before to study HRSV biology in vivo and can be readily applied to the study the variation of virus host interactions.

scholarly journals Pattern Recognition: Description of Functional and Motor Preparedness of Students of Higher Educational Institutions

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 200-206
Author(s):  
S. A. Chernenko ◽  
S. S. Iermakov ◽  
O. M. Oliinyk ◽  
Yu. O. Dolynnyi
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Higher Educational Institutions ◽  
Index Method ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
The Third ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Higher Educational

The purpose of the study is to determine the age-related peculiarities of functional and motor preparedness of students of higher educational institutions. Materials and methods. The study participants were first-year (n=67), second-year (n=66), third-year (n=62), fourth-year (n=45), fifth-year (n=56) male students. The following research methods were used to solve the tasks set: analysis of scientific literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical testing; index method and medical-biological methods. Pedagogical methods were used to study the peculiarities of functional state of the body and motor abilities of the 1st-5th year students of higher educational institutions; discriminant analysis was used for data processing. Results. There was no statistically significant difference between the 1st-5th year students by the results of test 5 “100 m run”, test 6 “Standing long jump”. The third-year students had the worst results in functional tests and Romberg’s test. The third-year students had the best results in test 7 “Arms’ bending and straightening in a hanging position”. Conclusions. Discriminant analysis made it possible to reveal that the third year of study is the most problematic period in students’ physical education; to answer the question as to the significance of difference between the 1st-5th year students by the level of motor and functional preparedness; to define what indicators most significantly influence the differences between the students’ preparedness; what class the object belongs to based on the values of discriminant variables. The discriminant function structure coefficients show that the most significant difference between the test results of the students in different years of study is observed in coordination preparedness.

scholarly journals Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid as Treatment in Elderly and Middle-Aged Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Demet Uçar ◽  
Demirhan Dıraçoğlu ◽  
Türker Süleyman ◽  
Nalan Çapan
Keyword(s):  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Group ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Aged Group ◽  
The Third ◽  
Age Related ◽  
One Year

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is the most common age-related degenerative joint disease. It affects all the joints containing hyaline cartilage. Knee osteoarthritis is the most cumbersome in terms of prevalence and disability. The aim of this study to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronic acid in patients with knee osteoarthritis with regard to joint pain and function, as well as patient satisfaction, assessed at one month and at one year, and by age group. Methods: In this prospective randomised study, 172 patients who were diagnosed knee OA and who received three consecutive intra-articular injections of HA weekly were included. Patients 65 years of age or older were accepted as the “elderly group”, and those under 65 were accepted as the “middle-aged group”. Clinical evaluations of efficacy and safety were conducted at the beginning of the study, one month after the third injection, and one year after the third injection. Results: In the two groups, the intragroup analysis revealed significant improvements following injection when compared with preinjection values. According to the last followup controls (after 12 months) in the middle-aged group, VAS activity pain, VAS rest pain, WOMAC physical function, and WOMAC pain values were found to be statistically lower when compared with pre-injection values. In the elderly group, no statistically significant differences were found between pre-injection and after 12 months. Conclusion: We can conclude that intra-articular joint HA injections are effective in both young and old patients with OA with regard to pain and functional status over a short-term period. Further, HA injections in patients younger than 65 years can be planned for a one-year period.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Viral Load Not Associated with Disease Severity: Findings from A Retrospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulkarim Abdulrahman ◽  
Saad Mallah ◽  
Manaf AlQahtani
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Background: Being able to use COVID-19 RT-PCR Ct values as simple markers of disease outcome or prognosis would allow for the easy and proactive identification and triaging of high-risk cases. This study’s objective was thus to assess whether a correlation exists between COVID-19 viral loads, as indicated by RT-PCR Ct values, and disease severity, as indicated by respiratory indices Results: A multi-centre cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, using data obtained from Bahrain’s National COVID-19 Task force’s centralised database. The study period was from May 2, 2020 to July 31, 2020. A multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for a correlation. The covariates adjusted for included sex, age, presentation, and comorbidities. In our cohort, Ct value showed no statistical significance for an association with requirement for oxygenation on admission (Odds ratio 1.046; 95%CI 0.999 to 1.096, p=0.054). Conclusion: Viral load, as indicated by Ct values, did not seem to be associated with requirement for oxygenation on admission in our cohort. We postulate however that time since onset of symptom may have acted as an unaccounted-for confounder.

scholarly journals Quantitative Detection and Viral Load Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in Infected Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (15) ◽  
pp. 793-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fengting Yu ◽  
Liting Yan ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Siyuan Yang ◽  
Linghang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Clinical Staging ◽  
N Gene ◽  
Quantitative Detection ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Nasal Swabs

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a public health emergency. The widely used reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method has limitations for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods A total of 323 samples from 76 COVID-19–confirmed patients were analyzed by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and RT-PCR based 2 target genes (ORF1ab and N). Nasal swabs, throat swabs, sputum, blood, and urine were collected. Clinical and imaging data were obtained for clinical staging. Results In 95 samples that tested positive by both methods, the cycle threshold (Ct) of RT-PCR was highly correlated with the copy number of ddPCR (ORF1ab gene, R2 = 0.83; N gene, R2 = 0.87). Four (4/161) negative and 41 (41/67) single-gene positive samples tested by RT-PCR were positive according to ddPCR with viral loads ranging from 11.1 to 123.2 copies/test. The viral load of respiratory samples was then compared and the average viral load in sputum (17 429 ± 6920 copies/test) was found to be significantly higher than in throat swabs (2552 ± 1965 copies/test, P &lt; .001) and nasal swabs (651 ± 501 copies/test, P &lt; .001). Furthermore, the viral loads in the early and progressive stages were significantly higher than that in the recovery stage (46 800 ± 17 272 vs 1252 ± 1027, P &lt; .001) analyzed by sputum samples. Conclusions Quantitative monitoring of viral load in lower respiratory tract samples helps to evaluate disease progression, especially in cases of low viral load.

TRENDS AND PROGNOSIS OF THE INCIDENCE OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION IN THE ELDERLY WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE

2021 ◽  
pp. 140-145
Author(s):  
Виктор Афанасьевич Иванов ◽  
Борис Дмитриевич Жидких ◽  
Елена Ефимовна Атлас ◽  
Юрий Юрьевич Блинков ◽  
Татьяна Игоревна Субботина
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Chronic Heart Failure ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Prognostic Model ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Medical Institutions ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Significant Difference

Возрастная макулярная дегенерация считается одной из распространенных возраст ассоциированных офтальмологических патологий, приводящих к полной или частичной потере зрения. Вероятность развития возрастной макулярной дегенерации существенно повышается при наличии сопутствующей хронической сердечной недостаточности. Однако изучение динамики заболеваемости возрастной макулярной дегенерацией при сочетании хронической сердечной недостаточности осуществляется крайне редко. Цель настоящего исследования - анализ заболеваемости возрастной макулярной дегенерацией и прогнозирование ее распространенности в Тамбовской области у пациентов с хронической сердечной недостаточностью. Исследование проводилось ретроспективным методом за 2013-2018 годы по данным официальной статистики лечебно-профилактических учреждений общего и специализированного профиля. При сборе информации использовались данные, содержащиеся в «Медицинской когорте амбулаторного больного», «Медицинской карте амбулаторного больного». Для прогнозирования заболеваемости возрастной макулярной дегенерацией использовался регрессионный анализ и программа «Statistica 10.0». В ходе исследования установлено повышение уровня заболеваемости с 13,54 случаев на 100 000 населения в 2013 году в базовом регионе до 28,42 случаев на 100 000 населения в 2018 году с достоверной разницей. Разработанная прогностическая модель у=0,7124 ln(x1)+1,4586 показывает, что в 2019-2021 годах произойдет дальнейшее увеличение заболеваемости возрастной макулярной дегенерацией. При этом наибольшую распространенность среди выделяемых форм возрастной макулярной дегенерации в Тамбовской области за исследуемый временной период имеет неэкссудативная форма, варьирующая в диапазоне от 12,41 случаев до 25,98 случаев на 100 000 населения (р<0,001). Экссудативная возрастная макулярная дегенерация варьирует от 1,42 случаев до 2,30 случаев на 100 000 жителей области. Полученные данные представляют интерес для принятия упреждающих профилактических мероприятий по стабилизации заболеваемости возрастной макулярной дегенерацией Age-related macular degeneration is considered one of the most common age-associated ophthalmological pathologies leading to complete or partial loss of vision. The probability of developing age-related macular degeneration increases significantly in the presence of concomitant chronic heart failure. However, the study of the dynamics of the incidence of age-related macular degeneration in combination with chronic heart failure is extremely rare. The purpose of this study is to analyze the incidence of age-related macular degeneration and predict its prevalence in the Tambov region in patients with chronic heart failure. The study was conducted retrospectively for 2013-2018 according to official statistics of general and specialized medical institutions. When collecting information, the data contained in the "Medical cohort of an outpatient patient", "The medical record of an outpatient patient" were used. Regression analysis and the Statistica 10.0 program were used to predict the incidence of age-related macular degeneration. The study found an increase in the incidence rate from 13.54 cases per 100,000 population in 2013 in the base region to 28.42 cases per 100,000 population in 2018 with a significant difference. The developed prognostic model y1=0.7124 ln(x1)+1.4586 shows that in 2019-2021 there will be a further increase in the incidence of age-related macular degeneration. At the same time, the greatest prevalence among the isolated forms of age-related macular degeneration in the Tambov region over the studied time period has a non-exudative form, varying in the range from 12.41 cases to 25.98 cases per 100,000 population (p<0.001). Exudative age-related macular degeneration varies from 1.42 cases to 2.30 cases per 100,000 inhabitants of the region. The data obtained are of interest for taking proactive preventive measures to stabilize the incidence of age-related macular degeneration

Age-Related Changes in Pharyngeal and Supraglottic Sensation

1994 ◽  
Vol 103 (10) ◽  
pp. 749-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Martin ◽  
Beverly Diamond ◽  
Jonathan E. Aviv ◽  
Michael E. Jones ◽  
Monte S. Keen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Superior Laryngeal Nerve ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Anterior Wall ◽  
Sensory Discrimination ◽  
New Device ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pulse Stimulation ◽  
Stimulation Of

As one ages, sensory discrimination in the oral cavity progressively diminishes, and dysphagia and aspiration are more likely to occur. Whether similar age-related laryngeal and pharyngeal sensory abnormalities exist and contribute to dysphagia and aspiration is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if sensory discrimination in the area innervated by the superior laryngeal nerve diminishes with increasing age. By applying a previously described new device and technique that utilizes brief air pulse stimulation of the anterior wall of the pyriform sinus, sensory discrimination can be reliably determined. We carried out 672 trials in 56 healthy adults divided into three age groups: 20 to 40, 41 to 60, and 61 to 90 years of age. Overall, the average sensory discrimination was 2.30 ± 0.50 mm Hg. In subjects 20 to 40 years of age, sensory discrimination was 2.07 ± 0.20 mm Hg, while in subjects 61 to 90 years of age, sensory discrimination was 2.68 ± 0.63 mm Hg (p < .05). There also was a statistically significant difference between the 41- to 60-year and 61- to 90-year age groups (p < .05). Progressive diminution in pharyngeal and supraglottic sensitivity with increasing age might be a contributing factor in the development of dysphagia and aspiration in the elderly.

scholarly journals COVID-19 viral load not associated with disease severity: findings from a retrospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulkarim Abdulrahman ◽  
Saad I. Mallah ◽  
Manaf Alqahtani
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Clinical Markers ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Clinical Tool ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Background Being able to use COVID-19 RT-PCR Ct values as simple clinical markers of disease outcome or prognosis would allow for the easy and proactive identification and triaging of high-risk cases. This study’s objective was thus to explore whether a correlation exists between COVID-19 viral loads, as indicated by RT-PCR Ct values, and disease severity, as indicated by respiratory indices. Results A multi-centre cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, using data obtained from Bahrain’s National COVID-19 Task force’s centralised database. The study period ranged from May 2, 2020 to July 31, 2020. A multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for a correlation using data from a total of 1057 admitted COVID-19 cases. The covariates adjusted for included sex, age, presentation, and comorbidities. In our cohort, Ct value showed no statistical significance for an association with requirement for oxygenation on admission (Odds ratio 1.046; 95%CI 0.999 to 1.096, p = 0.054). Conclusion Viral load, as indicated by Ct values, did not seem to be associated with requirement for oxygenation on admission in our cohort. We postulate however that time since onset of symptom may have acted as an unaccounted-for confounder. As such, RT-PCR Ct values may not be a useful prognostic clinical tool in isolation.

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