scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 transmissions in students and teachers: seroprevalence follow-up study in a German secondary school in November and December 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e001036
Author(s):  
Jakob Peter Armann ◽  
Carolin Kirsten ◽  
Lukas Galow ◽  
Elisabeth Kahre ◽  
Luise Haag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Educational Settings ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Serial Blood Sampling ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Second Wave

ObjectiveTo quantify the number of undetected SARS-CoV-2 infections in educational settings.DesignSerial SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study before and during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.SettingSecondary school in Dresden, Germany.ParticipantsGrade 8–12 students and their teachers were invited to participate in serial blood sampling and SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assessment.Main outcome measureSeroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in study population.Results247 students and 55 teachers participated in the initial study visit and 197 students and 40 teachers completed follow-up. Seroprevalence increased from 1.7% (0.3–3.3) to 6.8% (3.8–10.1) during the study period mirroring the increase of officially reported SARS-CoV-2 infections during this time. The ratio of undetected to detected SARS-CoV-2 infections ranged from 0.25 to 0.33.ConclusionsWe could not find evidence of relevant silent, asymptomatic spread of SARS-CoV-2 in schools neither in a low prevalence setting nor during the second wave of the pandemic, making it unlikely that educational settings play a crucial role in driving the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Trial registration numberDRKS00022455.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in students and teachers: a longitudinal study from May to October 2020 in German secondary schools

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e049876
Author(s):  
Carolin Kirsten ◽  
Manja Unrath ◽  
Christian Lück ◽  
Alexander H Dalpke ◽  
Reinhard Berner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Secondary Outcome Measure ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Population Number ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
History Of ◽  
Low Prevalence

ObjectiveTo quantify the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections in secondary schools after their reopening in May 2020.DesignRepeated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study after the reopening of schools and 4 months later.SettingSecondary school in Dresden, Germany.Participants1538 students grades 8–12 and 507 teachers from 13 schools.InterventionsSerial blood sampling and SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assessment.Primary and secondary outcome measureSeroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in study population. Number of undetected cases.Results1538 students and 507 teachers were initially enrolled, and 1334 students and 445 teachers completed both study visits. The seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 0.6% in May/June and the same in September/October. Even in schools with reported COVID-19 cases before the lockdown of 13 March, no clusters could be identified. Of 12 persons with positive serology five had a known history of confirmed COVID-19; 23 out of 24 participants with a household history of COVID-91 were seronegative.ConclusionsSchools do not play a crucial role in driving the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a low-prevalence setting. Transmission in families occurs very infrequently, and the number of unreported cases is low in this age group. These observations do not support school closures as a strategy fighting the pandemic in a low-prevalence setting.Trial registration numberDRKS00022455.

scholarly journals Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Pathologically Confirmed Aspergillus Nodules

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 2185
Author(s):  
Noeul Kang ◽  
Jiyeon Park ◽  
Byung Woo Jhun
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Therapy ◽  
Pulmonary Complications ◽  
Internal Cavity ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Transthoracic Needle Biopsy ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis ◽  
Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy

Aspergillus nodules represent a subtype of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, but details on their characteristics and outcomes are limited. We evaluated 80 patients with pathologically confirmed Aspergillus nodules between January 2009 and December 2016. The median age of the patients was 59 years, and 46 (58%) were women. Seventy-three (91%) patients were surgically diagnosed with Aspergillus nodules and the remaining seven (9%) patients were diagnosed by percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy. The median long-axis diameter of nodules was 22 mm, and nodules had an internal cavity in 49 (61%) patients. Spiculation and calcification were observed in 20% and 39% of patients, respectively. Ninety percent (18/20) of nodules showed uptake on positron emission tomography. Serum Aspergillus precipitin IgG antibody was positive in 42% (10/24) of tested patients. Seventy-three (91%) patients underwent surgery without (n = 58) or with (n = 15) adjuvant antifungal therapy, and the remaining seven (9%) patients received antifungal therapy alone (n = 5) or no treatment (n = 2). Three patients experienced postoperative pulmonary complications: pneumothorax, hemoptysis, and acute lung injury (n = 1 each). There was no recurrence during the median follow-up period of 36.8 months. In conclusion, surgery could be a treatment strategy worth considering for most Aspergillus nodules. However, given that our study population was heterogeneous, further well-designed studies are need.

scholarly journals 0466 Evolution of Nonrestorative Sleep and Its Interactions with Insomnia Symptoms in a Longitudinal Survey of the American Population

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A179-A179
Author(s):  
M M Ohayon
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Longitudinal Survey ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Us States ◽  
Profound Impact ◽  
Nonrestorative Sleep ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Nonrestorative sleep (NRS) is one of the sleep disturbances that is under-appreciated. Some studies have set its prevalence at around 10% of the general population but definitions are heterogenous. Despite its frequency, studies that paid attention to that symptom are disparate and have often taken many routes. Our aim is to examine its prevalence, its incidence and its predictive factors. Methods The initial study was carried with 15,929 individuals from 15 US States. The longitudinal study was carried on in eight of these states. A total of 12,218 subjects were interviewed by phone during the first wave (W1) and 10,930 at the second wave (W2) three years apart. The analyses were carried on the subjects who participated in both interviews (N=10,930). NRS was assessed using a series of five questions. The global score determined the presence/absence of NRS. Results A total of 14.7% (CI95%: 14%-15.4%) reported NRS at W1. At follow-up, 13.1% (CI95%: 12.5%-13.7%) reported NRS. The incidence per year was 2.3%. NRS was chronic in 28.9% of cases. NRS occurred alone (i.e. without any other insomnia symptoms) in 5% of the sample at W1 and 3.6% at W2. 22.2% of those with NRS alone at W1 reported other insomnia symptoms at W2. Sleep duration was at least 6h30 in 81.6% of NRS alone cases at W1 and 76.5% at W2. Daytime repercussions were reported by 66.2% of NRS alone at W1 and 52.8% at W2. NRS alone (RR: 2.4) or in combination with insomnia symptoms (RR: 3.4) was one of the strongest predictors for developing a Major Depressive Disorder at W2. Conclusion NRS is a sleep disturbance that has some unique features that distinguish it from insomnia symptoms. Nonetheless, it can have a profound impact on daily life and can lead to further difficulties in other areas if not addressed properly. Support Arrillaga Foundation

Impediment Profiling for Smoking Cessation: Results of a Pilot Study

2003 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 300-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan O'Connell ◽  
Sean C. Lucan ◽  
Ming-Chin Yeh ◽  
Elaine Rodriguez ◽  
Dipti Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Concurrent Control ◽  
Quit Rate ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Survey Instruments

Objective. To test the effectiveness of a smoking cessation program based on “impediment profiling,” the elucidation of an individual participant's personal barriers, with provision of tailored interventions accordingly. Methods. A literature search was conducted to identify established impediments to smoking cessation. A long impediment profiler (LIP) was developed from validated survey instruments and used as a screening tool to identify individuals' barriers to quitting. Once barriers were identified, participants were assigned to up to seven interventions. Self-reported smoking cessation was confirmed with measurements of carbon monoxide concentrations in expired air of ≤10 ppm. Results. Nineteen adults participated in the pilot program. At the year 1 mark, 63.2% of the study population was smoke-free. The mean number of impediments of the study population was 3.5 ± 1.5. There was a negative association between subjects' quit status and the following impediments: stress (p = .0061), anxiety (p = .0445), and depression (p < .001). No single impediment was predictive of quit status. Conclusions. Impediment profiling as a basis for tailored smoking cessation intervention is associated with a high quit rate in this initial study, and it appears promising. Long-term follow-up is warranted, as is replication in a larger cohort with a concurrent control group.

Prevalence and natural history of pineal cysts in adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 115 (6) ◽  
pp. 1106-1114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wajd N. Al-Holou ◽  
Samuel W. Terman ◽  
Craig Kilburg ◽  
Hugh J. L. Garton ◽  
Karin M. Muraszko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Pineal Cyst ◽  
History Analysis ◽  
History Of ◽  
Study Population

Object We reviewed our experience with pineal cysts to define the natural history and clinical relevance of this common intracranial finding. Methods The study population consisted of 48,417 consecutive patients who underwent brain MR imaging at a single institution over a 12-year interval and who were over 18 years of age at the time of imaging. Patient characteristics, including demographic data and other intracranial diagnoses, were collected from cases involving patients with a pineal cyst. We then identified all patients with pineal cysts who had been clinically evaluated at our institution and who had at least 6 months of clinical and imaging follow-up. All inclusion criteria for the natural history analysis were met in 151 patients. Results Pineal cysts measuring 5 mm or larger in greatest dimension were found in 478 patients (1.0%). Of these, 162 patients were male and 316 were female. On follow-up MR imaging of 151 patients with pineal cyst at a mean interval of 3.4 years from the initial study, 124 pineal cysts remained stable, 4 increased in size, and 23 decreased in size. Cysts that were larger at the time of initial diagnosis were more likely to decrease in size over the follow-up interval (p = 0.004). Patient sex, patient age at diagnosis, and the presence of septations within the cyst were not significantly associated with cyst change on follow-up. Conclusions Follow-up imaging and neurosurgical evaluation are not mandatory for adults with asymptomatic pineal cysts.

scholarly journals Variation in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence across districts, schools and classes: baseline measurements from a cohort of primary and secondary school children in Switzerland

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e047483
Author(s):  
Agne Ulyte ◽  
Thomas Radtke ◽  
Irene Alma Abela ◽  
Sarah R Haile ◽  
Jacob Blankenberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Age Range ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Primary And Secondary School

ObjectivesTo determine the variation in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in school children and the relationship with self-reported symptoms.DesignBaseline measurements of a longitudinal cohort study (Ciao Corona) from June to July 2020.Setting55 schools stratified by district in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland.Participants2585 children (1339 girls; median age: 11 years, age range: 6–16 years), attending grades 1–2, 4–5 and 7–8.Main outcome measuresVariation in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children across 12 cantonal districts, schools and grades, assessed using Luminex-based test of four epitopes for IgG, IgA and IgM (Antibody Coronavirus Assay,ABCORA 2.0). Clustering of cases within classes. Association of seropositivity and symptoms. Comparison with seroprevalence in adult population, assessed using Luminex-based test of IgG and IgA (Sensitive Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike Trimer Immunoglobulin Serological test).ResultsOverall seroprevalence was 2.8% (95% CI 1.5% to 4.1%), ranging from 1.0% to 4.5% across districts. Seroprevalence in grades 1–2 was 3.8% (95% CI 2.0% to 6.1%), in grades 4–5 was 2.4% (95% CI 1.1% to 4.2%) and in grades 7–8 was 1.5% (95% CI 0.5% to 3.0%). At least one seropositive child was present in 36 of 55 (65%) schools and in 44 (34%) of 131 classes where ≥5 children and ≥50% of children within the class were tested. 73% of children reported COVID-19-compatible symptoms since January 2020, with the same frequency in seropositive and seronegative children for all symptoms. Seroprevalence of children and adults was similar (3.2%, 95% credible interval (CrI) 1.7% to 5.0% vs 3.6%, 95% CrI 1.7% to 5.4%). The ratio of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence-to-seropositive cases was 1:89 in children and 1:12 in adults.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was low in children and similar to that in adults by the end of June 2020. Very low ratio of diagnosed-to-seropositive children was observed. We did not detect clustering of SARS-CoV-2-seropositive children within classes, but the follow-up of this study will shed more light on transmission within schools.Trial registration numberNCT04448717.

scholarly journals Prevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Poland

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249550
Author(s):  
Beata Kasztelewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Janiszewska ◽  
Julia Burzyńska ◽  
Emilia Szydłowska ◽  
Marek Migdał ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protective Immunity ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Pediatric Hospital ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Protective Properties ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Second Wave

Data on the prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody in healthcare workers (HCWs) is scarce, especially in pediatric settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positivity among HCWs of a tertiary pediatric hospital. In addition, follow-up of the serological response in the subgroup of seropositive HCWs was analysed, to gain some insight on the persistence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. We performed a retrospective analysis of voluntary SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing, which was made available free of charge to HCWs of the Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw (Poland). Plasma samples were collected between July 1 and August 9, 2020, and tested using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Of 2,282 eligible participants, 1,879 (82.3%) HCWs volunteered to undergo testing. Sixteen HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG, corresponding to a seroprevalence of 0.85%. Among seropositive HCWs, three HCWs had confirmed COVID-19. Nine (56.3%) of the seropositive HCWs reported neither symptoms nor unprotected contact with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases in the previous months. A decline in the IgG index was observed at a median time of 86.5 days (range:84‒128 days) after symptom onset or RT-PCR testing. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the duration of persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, as well as the correlation between seropositivity and protective immunity against reinfection. Regardless of the persistence of antibodies and their protective properties, such low prevalence indicates that this population is vulnerable to a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prospective epidemiological study on the beginning of varicose veins

Phlebologie ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 38 (01) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Schultz-Ehrenburg ◽  
S. Reich-Schupke ◽  
B. Robak-Pawelczyk ◽  
T. Rudolph ◽  
C. Moll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiological Study ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Longitudinal Vein ◽  
Saphenous Veins ◽  
Prospective Epidemiological Study ◽  
Study Population

Summary Objective: To conduct a longitudinal vein study in a young study population on when and how varicose veins develop in healthy veins. Population, method: The initial study population consisting of pupils aged 10–12 (BO I, n = 740) underwent clinical and ultrasound follow-up at the ages of 14–16 (BO II, n = 518), 18–20 (BO III, n = 459) and 29–31 (BO IV, n = 136). During BO I-IV all venous findings detected (including preclinical refluxes of the saphenous veins) were recorded. Results: The data were broken down to reveal the incidence and prevalence of venous refluxes (VR), varicose veins (VV) and venous abnormalities (VA) for each part of the study. Furthermore, the data were analyzed longitudinally to identify any correlations between VR and VV in the two saphenous veins. Conclusions: Since none of the study subjects exhibited VV during BO I, the study permits evaluation of the venous situation in the subjects from birth on. The manifestation of a truncal VV is preceded by a VR in the same vein (p = 0.039). VR occurred mainly during puberty (BO I: 2.5%, BO III: 18.5%, BO IV: 25%). A preclinical VR represents a 30% risk (95% CI: 13–53%) of developing a truncal VV within four years, as a consequence, subsequent preventive 2-year follow-up examinations are recommended.

Effects and utility of an online forward triage tool during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: patient perspectives (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Michel
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Health System ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Patient Perspectives ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
Mail Address ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
E Mail

BACKGROUND Background: Online forward triage tools (OFTT) or symptom checkers are being widely used during this COVID-19 pandemic. The effects and utility of such tools however, have not been widely assessed. OBJECTIVE Objective: To assess the effects (quantitatively) and the utility (qualitatively) of a COVID-19 OFTT in a pandemic context, exploring patient perspectives as well as eliciting recommendations for tool improvement. METHODS Methods: We employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory study design. Quantitative data of all users of the OFTT between March 2nd, 2020 and May 12th, 2020 were collected. A follow-up survey of people who consented to participation was conducted. Secondly, qualitative data was collected through key informant interviews (n=19) to explain the quantitative findings, as well as explore tool utility, user experience and elicit recommendations. RESULTS Results: An estimate of the effects, (quantitatively) and the utility (qualitatively) of a COVID-19 OFTT in a pandemic context, and recommendations for tool improvement. In the study period, 6,272 users consulted our OFTT; 560 participants consented to a follow-up survey and provided a valid e-mail address. 176 (31.4%) participants returned a complete follow-up questionnaire. 85.2% followed the recommendations given. 41.5% reported that their fear was allayed after using tool and 41.1% would have contacted the GP or visited a hospital had the tool not existed. Qualitatively, seven overarching themes emerged namely i) accessibility of tool, ii) user-friendliness of tool, iii) utility of tool as an information source, iv) utility of tool in allaying fear and anxiety, v) utility of tool in decision making (test or not to test), vi) utility of tool in reducing the potential for onward transmissions (preventing cross infection) and vii) utility of tool in reducing health system burden. CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that a COVID-19 OFTT does not only reduce the health system burden, but can also serve as an information source, reduce anxiety and fear, reduce cross infections and facilitate decision making (to test or not to test). Further studies are needed to assess the transferability of these COVID-19 OFTT findings to other contexts as the second wave sweeps across Europe.

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