scholarly journals Covid-19 vs. BCG Universal Immunization: Statistical Significance in the Early Phase of the Pandemics

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 55-66
Author(s):  
Serge Dolgikh

A possible correlation between the impact of Covid-19 and universal immunization program against tuberculosis with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine was suggested previously, based on apparent correlation between lower impact of the epidemics and a record of national BCG immunization program. In this work a time-adjusted dataset of Covid-19 statistical data by national and subnational health jurisdictions at the time point of six months after the local arrival of the epidemics was used to perform a statistical analysis of the significance of the correlation hypothesis between universal BCG immunization and a milder early phase Covid-19 scenario. With the data accumulated up to the point of the analysis, the significance of the correlation hypothesis was evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively with the conclusion that it has achieved statistically significant level of confidence. The conclusions of this research can be used in development of epidemiological policy as well as the rationale to investigate the origin and mechanisms of a broad immunity protection that can be associated with an early-age exposure to BCG vaccine. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-03-SI-8 Full Text: PDF

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Dolgikh

AbstractWith a time-adjusted dataset of Covid-19 statistical data by reporting jurisdiction at the time point of six months after the local epidemics landfall we perform a statistical analysis of the significance of the correlation hypothesis between universal BCG immunization and milder Covid-19 scenarios proposed in the earlier studies. With the data accumulated to date the statistical significance of the BCG immunization correlation hypothesis is evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively with the conclusion that it has achieved a significant level of confidence. The conclusions of this research can be used in public policy as well as the rationale to investigate the nature and working of a potential broad immunity mechanism associated with an early-age BCG exposure.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5029-5029
Author(s):  
Omar Alhalabi ◽  
Andrew W Hahn ◽  
Funda Meric-Bernstam ◽  
Aung Naing ◽  
Sarina Anne Piha-Paul ◽  
...  

5029 Background: With the recent approvals of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, and an antibody-drug conjugate, patients with platinum-refractory metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) have several treatment options available. However, many patients with platinum-refractory mUC need novel therapies after progressing on current therapies. We assessed the role of early phase trials in treatment of mUC and the impact of genomic alterations on their outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients with mUC who received an investigational therapy at the phase 1 clinic and had CLIA-certified clinical next generation sequencing. Clinical parameters and mutations were abstracted. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Among the 57 pts enrolled in 41 unique phase 1 trials between 2015 and 2019, 16% (9/57) had variant histology: neuroendocrine carcinoma (n = 3) and urachal carcinoma (n = 6). Median age was 64. Majority were males (72%). 97% received prior platinum therapy and 60% had received prior CPI therapy. Across the pure urothelial carcinoma cohort (n = 48), median PFS was 4.2 months (m), median OS was 9.8 m, and the overall response rate (ORR) was 19%. TP53, FGFR, TERT, and ARID1A alterations (alt) were detected in 54%, 41%, 21% and 17% of UC patients, respectively. Patients harboring a TP53 alt, compared to no alt, had a shorter median PFS of 3.2m vs 9.6 m (HR = 2.738 [1.247 - 6.011], p = 0.0121). On the contrary, median PFS was longer in FGFR alt, compared to no alt, 6.3m vs 3.2m (HR = 0.4662 [0.224 - 0.971], p = 0.0415). Of note, 64% of FGFR alt patients were treated under an early phase FGFR targeting trial. Median OS was numerically longer in FGFR alt and shorter in TP53 alt but did not reach statistical significance (table). Conclusions: Patients with mUC may derive clinical benefit from enrollment in phase I clinical trials. Patients with TP53 alterations had numerically worse outcomes. Patients with mUC should be considered for an FGFR targeting therapy in the setting of an FGFR alteration. [Table: see text]


2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Donald E Cutlip ◽  

Coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes is frequently a diffuse process with multivessel involvement and is associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction and death. The role of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with diabetes and multivessel disease who require revascularisation has been debated and remains uncertain. The debate has been continued mainly because of the question to what degree an increased risk for in-stent restenosis among patients with diabetes contributes to other late adverse outcomes. This article reviews outcomes from early trials of balloon angioplasty versus CABG through later trials of bare-metal stents versus CABG and more recent data with drug-eluting stents as the comparator. Although not all studies have been powered to show statistical significance, the results have been generally consistent with a mortality benefit for CABG versus PCI, despite differential risks for restenosis with the various PCI approaches. The review also considers the impact of mammary artery grafting of the left anterior descending artery and individual case selection on these results, and proposes an algorithm for selection of patients in whom PCI remains a reasonable strategy.


1978 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-265
Author(s):  
Moin-ud-din Moin-ud-din

A number of books on Pakistan's economy have recently been published, but most of them do hot provide the latest statistical data or keep pace with events and development during the 1970's. The book under review, however, has admirably fulfilled the requirements. It covers a vast range of subjects concerning economic development in the country during the recent past The book is divided into nine parts and covers such diverse areas as development, industry, the price situation and the impact of inflation, Pakistan's planning and development effort, trade priorities and balance of payments situation, .taxation* foreign aid, and socio-economic reforms. The analysis is general, broadbased, and historical in perspective and a large amount of data have been put together. To bring out a clearer picture international comparisons are made whereever possible, especially in the last part of the book where the author reiterates on the need for a "New World Economic Order".


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Wade ◽  
Nicola Brown ◽  
James Steele ◽  
Steven Mann ◽  
Bernadette Dancy ◽  
...  

Background: Brief advice is recommended to increase physical activity (PA) within primary care. This study assessed change in PA levels and mental wellbeing after a motivational interviewing (MI) community-based PA intervention and the impact of signposting [SP] and Social Action [SA] (i.e. weekly group support) pathways. Methods: Participants (n=2084) took part in a community-based, primary care PA programme using MI techniques. Self-reported PA and mental wellbeing data were collected at baseline (following an initial 30-minute MI appointment), 12-weeks, six-months, and 12-months. Participants were assigned based upon the surgery they attended to the SP or SA pathway. Multilevel models were used to derive point estimates and 95%CIs for outcomes at each time point and change scores. Results: Participants increased PA and mental wellbeing at each follow-up time point through both participant pathways and with little difference between pathways. Retention was similar between pathways at 12-weeks, but the SP pathway retained more participants at six-months and 12-months. Conclusions: Both pathways produced similar improvements in PA and mental wellbeing, suggesting the effectiveness of MI based PA interventions. However, due to lower resources required yet similar effects, SP pathways are recommended over SA to support PA in primary care settings.


Author(s):  
Svetlana Punanova ◽  
Mikhail Rodkin

The mode of development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia and the impact of the epidemic on the areas of scientific research, education and functioning of the fuel and energy complex are discussed. The official statistics revealed evidence both of effectivity of the taken anti-epidemic measures in Moscow and of possible cases of incorrectness of statistical data. The social situation and the mode of development of the epidemic in Moscow and in the regions of Russia are essentially different, that reduces the effectiveness of anti-epidemic measures introduced uniformly throughout the whole country. The conditions of the pandemic and quarantine are difficult for everyone, but organizations and persons with a more modern informational character of production adapt to them more easily. In general, it can be suggested that the epidemic besides the very essential losses gives an important impulse for social-economic and political modernization of the society.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-155
Author(s):  
K. N. Yusupov ◽  
V. M. Timiryanova, ◽  
Iu. S. Toktamysheva ◽  
A. F. Zimin,

The article presents a methodology for assessing the impact of spatial environment on the socioeconomic development of municipalities. It relies on existing tools for assessing the state and potential of the geographical location of municipalities. An integrated approach allows to determine the potential of the interaction of the municipality with the neighbors of the first and second order. The methodology was tested on statistical data on the Blagovarsky municipal district.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Rakesh Chandra ◽  
Mr. Pravesh Dwivedi ◽  
Dr. Ritesh Dwivedi

Universal immunization of children against common vaccine preventable diseases is the most important aspect of childcare programs. It has long been a goal of the Universal Immunization Program. National Population Policy, 2000 has also stressed on development of Indian Immunization Program, as India is one of the largest in the world, in terms of quantities of vaccines used, numbers of beneficiaries, and the numbers of immunization sessions organized. This program is spread all across the country and seven vaccines are used to protect children and pregnant mothers against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertusis, polio, measles tetanus and hepatitis-B. Some other supplements like vitamin A and iron tablets have also been added with this delivery mechanism to support overall nutritional level of children and their mothers. To assess the grassroot level condition, this study has tried to explore and compare the different parameters related to routine vaccination and supplement distribution in some selected districts. Role of ASHAs and ANMs is very important for this whole immunization program and to enhance the coverage in qualitative manner, certain evaluation parameters must be established like how many households are aware of sanitation, hygiene, preventive health and healthy lifestyle through ASHA and ANM work.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Jesus ◽  
Tânia Silva ◽  
César Cagigal ◽  
Vera Martins ◽  
Carla Silva

Introduction: The field of nutritional psychiatry is a fast-growing one. Although initially, it focused on the effects of vitamins and micronutrients in mental health, in the last decade, its focus also extended to the dietary patterns. The possibility of a dietary cost-effective intervention in the most common mental disorder, depression, cannot be overlooked due to its potential large-scale impact. Method: A classic review of the literature was conducted, and studies published between 2010 and 2018 focusing on the impact of dietary patterns in depression and depressive symptoms were included. Results: We found 10 studies that matched our criteria. Most studies showed an inverse association between healthy dietary patterns, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and whole grains, and with low intake of processed and sugary foods, and depression and depressive symptoms throughout an array of age groups, although some authors reported statistical significance only in women. While most studies were of cross-sectional design, making it difficult to infer causality, a randomized controlled trial presented similar results. Discussion: he association between dietary patterns and depression is now well-established, although the exact etiological pathways are still unknown. Dietary intervention, with the implementation of healthier dietary patterns, closer to the traditional ones, can play an important role in the prevention and adjunctive therapy of depression and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: More large-scale randomized clinical trials need to be conducted, in order to confirm the association between high-quality dietary patterns and lower risk of depression and depressive symptoms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-55
Author(s):  
Ahmed Nagy ◽  
Omar Abdel Rahman ◽  
Heba Abdullah ◽  
Ahmed Negida

Background: Although well established for the effective management of hematologic cancers, maintenance chemotherapy has only been recently incorportated as a treatment paradigm for advanced non–small-cell lung cancer. Maintenance chemotherapy aims to prolong a clinically favorable response state achieved after finishing induction therapy which is usually predefined in number before startng treatment. There are 2 modalities for maintenance therapy; continuation maintenance (involving a non-platinum component which was a part of the induction protocol or a targeted agent) and switch maintenance therapy (utilizing a new agent which was not a part of the induction regimen). Methods: The purpose of this article is to review the role of maintenance therapy in the treatment of advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and provide a brief overview about induction chemotherapy in NSCLC to address the basis of maintenance therapy as a treatment option. We will also compare the impact of maintenance chemotherapy with the now evolving role of immunotherapy in NSCLC. Results: There have been 4 maintenance studies to date showing prolonged PFS and OS with statistical significance. However, Three out of the four studies (ECOG4599, JMEN, and PARAMOUNT) did not report tumor molecular analysis. As regard Immunotherapy, current data is in favour of strongly an increasing role for immunotherapy in NSCLC. Conclusion: Maintenance therapy in NSCLC continues to be an important therapeutic line to improve outcome in patients with metastatic and recurrent disease.


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