scholarly journals Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a Large Cohort of Italian Police Officers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12201
Author(s):  
Sergio Garbarino ◽  
Alexander Domnich ◽  
Elisabetta Costa ◽  
Irene Giberti ◽  
Stefano Mosca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Influenza Like Illness ◽  
Nationally Representative

Certain professional categories are at a high occupational exposure to COVID-19. The aim of this survey was to quantify the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among police officers in Italy and identify its correlates. In this cross-sectional study, a nationally representative sample of State police employees was tested for IgG and IgM before the start of the National vaccination campaign. A total of 10,535 subjects (approximately 10% of the total workforce) participated in the study. The overall seroprevalence was 4.8% (95% CI: 4.4–5.3%). However, seropositivity was unevenly distributed across the country with a clear (p < 0.001) North–South gradient. In particular, the seroprevalence was 5.6 times higher in northern regions than in southern regions (9.0% vs 1.6%). Most (71.2%) seropositive subjects reported having no recent symptoms potentially attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Previous dysosmia, dysgeusia, and influenza-like illness symptoms were positive predictors of being seropositive. However, the prognostic value of dysosmia depended (p < 0.05) on both sex and prior influenza-like illness. The baseline seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in police employees is considerable. A significant risk of occupational exposure, frequent asymptomatic cases and the progressive waning of neutralizing antibodies suggest that the police workers should be considered among the job categories prioritized for the booster COVID-19 vaccine dose.

scholarly journals POLYPHARMACY IN DIABETIC PEOPLE: EVIDENCE FROM THE ENGLISH LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGEING (ELSA)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S482-S483
Author(s):  
Yun-Ting Huang ◽  
Paola Zaninotto ◽  
Andrew Steptoe ◽  
Li Wei
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older People ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
English Longitudinal Study

Abstract Diabetes among older people is becoming more common worldwide, and usually accompanied by polypharmacy. However, the role of polypharmacy in older people with diabetes remains uncertain. A nationally representative cross-sectional study, ELSA 2012/2013, was used and 7729 participants aged 50-109 were investigated. Polypharmacy was defined as taking five to nine long-term used medications daily for chronic diseases or chronic symptoms, while using ten or more medications was excessive polypharmacy. The presence of illness was defined as either self-reported diagnosis or being prescribed specific medications for the condition. Data showed the prevalence of polypharmacy was 21.4%, and only 3% was excessive polypharmacy. 51.6% of diabetic people reported polypharmacy and 10.2% excessive polypharmacy. These rates were significantly higher than the 16.4% polypharmacy and 1.8% excessive polypharmacy among people without diabetes (p &lt; 0.001). Among people with three or more comorbidities, polypharmacy was present in 61.5% of people with diabetes, compared with 36.0% in people without diabetes. Significant risk factors for polypharmacy were diabetes (Relative-risk ratios/RRR=4.06, 95% CI 3.38, 4.86), older age (RRR=1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03), male (RRR=0.64, 95% CI 0.55, 0.75), more comorbidity (RRR=2.46, 95% CI 2.30, 2.62), living with a partner (RRR=1.20, 95% CI 1.01, 1.42), and less wealth (RRR=0.93, 95% CI 0.87, 0.98). However, age, cohabitation, and wealth were not significantly related to excessive polypharmacy. Diabetes and the number of comorbidities were predominant risk factors for excessive polypharmacy. Current evidences confirmed both health condition and socioeconomic status were associated with medication use in older adults.

scholarly journals Serological Screening for Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Dutch Shelter Cats

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1634
Author(s):  
W. J. R. van der Leij ◽  
Els M. Broens ◽  
Jan Willem Hesselink ◽  
Nancy Schuurman ◽  
Johannes C. M. Vernooij ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Screening ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Animal Shelters ◽  
Second Wave

The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns that companion animals might be infected with, and could become a reservoir of, SARS-CoV-2. As cats are popular pets and susceptible to Coronavirus, we investigated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in shelter cats housed in Dutch animal shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this large-scale cross-sectional study, serum samples of shelter cats were collected during the second wave of human COVID-19 infections in The Netherlands. Seroprevalence was determined by using an indirect protein-based ELISA validated for cats, and a Virus Neutralization Test (VNT) as confirmation. To screen for feline SARS-CoV-2 shedding, oropharyngeal and rectal swabs of cats positive for ELISA and/or VNT were analyzed using PCR tests. In 28 Dutch animal shelters, 240 shelter cats were convenience sampled. Two of these cats (0.8%; CI 95%: 0.1–3.0%) were seropositive, as evidenced by the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies. The seropositive animals tested PCR negative for SARS-CoV-2. Based on the results of this study, it is unlikely that shelter cats could be a reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 or pose a (significant) risk to public health.

scholarly journals IMMUNOGENICITY AND SAFETY OF INACTIVATED SARS-COV-2 VACCINE (VERO CELL), BBIBP-CORV (SINOPHARM); AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY FROM PAKISTAN

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 2024-28
Author(s):  
Muhammad Farooq ◽  
Muhammad Fayyaz Malik ◽  
Ashfaq Hussain ◽  
Majid Latif ◽  
Muhammad Usman Rathore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vero Cell ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Seroconversion Rate ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antibody Titers

Objective: To ascertain the immunogenicity and short-term safety of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell), BBIBPCorV (Sinopharm) in our setup. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Sialkot Pakistan, from Feb to Apr 2021. Methodology: A total of 227 health care workers (HCWs) between 18 to 59 years of age were included in the study. Two doses of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell), BBIBP-CorV were administered to all individuals 21 days apart and they were monitored for any vaccine-related adverse reactions for 7 days after each dose. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in study subjects were detected in three samples i.e. before 1st dose of vaccine, 21 days after 1st dose and 14 days after 2nd dose by Elecsys Anti- SARS-CoV-2 S (Roche Diagnostics). Results: Mean age of individuals in the study was 36.70 ± 18.08 years and most individuals were in the 31-45 years age group. Fatigue and drowsiness were the most common adverse effects experienced by study subjects after 1st and 2nd dose of the vaccine followed by malaise and headache. Only 42 (39%) individuals developed positive neutralizing antibody titers in a sample taken 21 days after 1st dose while all individuals except one (99%) developed positive neutralizing antibody titers in a sample taken 2 weeks after 2nd vaccine dose. Conclusion: Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell), BBIBP-CorV is safe and well-tolerated with very few adverse reactions. Immunogenicity was well achieved as the seroconversion rate was 99% two weeks after 2nd dose of the vaccine.

scholarly journals Obesity and other medical comorbidities among NT1 patients after the Norwegian H1N1 influenza epidemic and vaccination campaign

SLEEP ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebjørg E H Nordstrand ◽  
Hilde T Juvodden ◽  
Rannveig Viste ◽  
Terje Rootwelt ◽  
Tor-Ivar Karlsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
H1n1 Influenza ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Influenza Epidemic ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Comorbidities ◽  
Fatigue Score ◽  
Medical Disorder

Abstract Study Objectives Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) may be complicated by comorbidities. We aimed to study the extent of obesity and other medical comorbidities in a Norwegian population of NT1 patients with debut of symptoms after the 2009 H1N1 influenza epidemic and vaccination campaign. We also aimed to explore factors associated with obesity. Methods Ninety-one patients (48 children and 43 adults) were included in this cross-sectional study, 80 of whom were H1N1-vaccinated. All participants were hospitalized and underwent sleep investigation and physical examination, and completed a semi-structured clinical interview. Results In children, 16 females (70%) and 10 males (40%) were classified as overweight or obese. Twenty children (42%) had a co-existing medical disorder. Medical comorbidity was significantly positively associated with BMI in children (p = .032). In adults, 19 females (58%) and 7 males (70%) were classified as overweight or obese. Twenty-six adults (61%) had a co-existing medical disorder. We found no factors significantly associated with BMI in adults. On a fatigue scale from 0 to 100, lower scores indicating more fatigue, we found a mean (SD) total fatigue score of 50 (17) in children and 39 (16) in adults. Conclusion In a cohort of predominantly H1N1-vaccinated NT1 patients, we found a high prevalence of overweight or obesity. Half of the cohort presented with one or more additional medical comorbidities, and patients reported a clinically relevant degree of fatigue. Our findings highlight the importance of carefully monitoring patients with NT1 with regard to the development of obesity, which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disorders.

scholarly journals Monitoring migrant groups as a post-validation surveillance approach to contain the potential reemergence of lymphatic filariasis in Togo

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Ameyo Dorkenoo ◽  
Martin Kouame Tchankoni ◽  
Degninou Yehadji ◽  
Kossi Yakpa ◽  
Mawèké Tchalim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Test Strip ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Positive Case ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Investigation ◽  
Migrant Groups

Abstract Background In March 2017, Togo was declared the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, but post-validation surveillance has been lacking. In some areas of the country, migrant groups from neighboring countries that are still endemic for LF pose a risk of reintroduction of LF to Togo. The objective of this study was to identify the risk posed by migrant groups by measuring their prevalence of LF infection and investigating any positive case using Togo’s case investigation algorithm to prevent resurgence of LF and sustain Togo’s elimination success. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in the northernmost region of the country. Three migrant populations were identified: (i) nomadic Peuhls, (ii) Togolese members of local communities who migrate annually to neighboring countries for seasonal labor, and (iii) refugees from Ghana who came to Togo because of a communal conflict in Ghana. A questionnaire was designed to collect data on demographics and history of LF and MDA; all participants were tested for circulating filariasis antigen (CFA) using the filariasis test strip (FTS). Any CFA-positive case was confirmed with nocturnal microfilaremia. Results Refugees, seasonal economic migrants and nomadic Peuhls represented 42.1%, 31.4% and 26.5% of the study participants, respectively. The overall prevalence of CFA was 4.2% (58/1391) with the highest prevalence in the nomadic Peuhl group (11.9%), but only one of them (0.07%) was confirmed positive with nocturnal microfilaremia. Using the case investigation algorithm, no other positive case was identified in the positive case’s surroundings. Conclusion This study demonstrates that nomadic Peuhls, with a CFA prevalence of 11.9%, pose a potential risk for reintroduction of LF into Togo while Ghanaian refugees and seasonal economic migrants do not appear to pose a significant risk. Periodic monitoring of migrants, especially the nomadic Peuhl population, is a potential post-validation surveillance approach that could be used to promptly detect any LF cluster that may arise.

To Study the Clinical Profile and Management of Cellulitis of Lower Limb in Northern India

2021 ◽  
pp. 153473462098667
Author(s):  
Tripta S. Bhagat ◽  
Luv Kumar ◽  
Prakhar Garg ◽  
Apoorv Goel ◽  
Amit Aggarwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Common Complication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Working Age

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues occupying a large proportion of hospital beds. This study was conducted for analysis of patients with cellulitis according to their demographics and clinical presentation and to examine their comorbidities, complications, and its management. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Surgery at Santosh Medical College and Hospitals involving a total of 60 cases having cellulitis and other soft tissue infections of lower limb. Analysis of their demographic profile, management, and complications was done. Cellulitis is seen commonly in males, 46 (76.6%). The mean age of patients affected by cellulitis in the study was 36.4 ± 1.23 years. The most common site affected is leg involving more people in field jobs. The most common risk factor was trauma in 46.6%, and other factors were diabetes mellitus and smoking, while abscess formation was the most common complication observed in 36.6% of cases. A total of 56.6% cases were managed conservatively, while 43.3% cases required surgical intervention. Mean hospital stay in this study was 5.02 ± 0.23 days. It was concluded that cellulitis is subcutaneous, spreading bacterial infection is more common in males, and its incidence is highest in working age group population. Lower limb is commonly involved. Trauma, smoking, and diabetes are significant risk factors for development of cellulitis. Abscess is the most common complication. About 50% patients with cellulitis can be managed conservatively and the rest require surgical intervention.

scholarly journals Association of breastfeeding and risk of metabolic syndrome and its components in postmenopausal parous women: Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (2010 ~ 2016)

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jusuk Lee ◽  
Taehong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Korean Women ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding (BF) and metabolic syndrome (Mets) is important for maternal long-term health benefits and disease prevention. This study aimed to examine the association between BF and Mets and its components among postmenopausal parous Korean women. Methods This cross-sectional study on 10,356 Korean women used nationally representative data from the KNHANES from 2010 to 2016. Anthropometric, laboratory data and manual BP were measured. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of BF with Mets and its components after adjusting for potential confounding variables. A p-value < 0.05 was to be considered statistically significant. Results Mets was present in 42% of the study participants. The BF group had low household income and education level. The prevalence of Mets in the BF group was higher than that in the non-BF group (42.69% vs. 34.76%, p <  0.001). BF was associated with increased risk of Mets (odds ratio [OR]: 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.65, p <  0.001). The BF group was at higher risks for diabetes (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.14–1.98), hypertension (OR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.03–1.68), hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.02–1.99) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06–1.65). Conclusion In this study, BF did not affect decreasing the prevalence of Mets and its components.

scholarly journals Mood and Metabolic Health Status of Elderly Osteoporotic Patients in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Nationally Representative Sample

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Hyen Chul Jo ◽  
Gu-Hee Jung ◽  
Seong-Ho Ok ◽  
Ji Eun Park ◽  
Jong Chul Baek
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Standard Procedures ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Male Subjects ◽  
Female Subjects

This study aimed to investigate the association between osteoporosis and comorbidity, which are very common in Korea, and develop a treatment strategy to improve bone health based on the findings of the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (KNHANES). This study was based on data obtained from 4060 subjects (1755 males, 2305 females) aged above 60 years in the KNHANES (2016–2017). Well-trained medical staff performed the standard procedures and measured several variables including height, weight, and waist circumference. Interviews and laboratory tests were based on the diagnosis of hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), osteoporosis, and depression. Comorbidities were defined as a self-reported physician diagnosis. The association of osteoporosis with depression and metabolic disease was assessed statistically using the complex sample analysis method of SPSS. The presence of osteoporosis, dyslipidemia, T2DM, hyperuricemia, obesity, abdominal obesity, and depression was 6.1 ± 0.5%, 15.2 ± 0.7%, 6.5 ± 0.4%, 13.4 ± 0.7%, 30.8 ± 0.8%, 19.4 ± 0.9%, 4.0 ± 0.2%, respectively. After adjusted by age, osteoporotic subjects were significance in the presence of abdominal obesity (p = 0.024, OR 0.80), hyperuricemia (p = 0.013, OR 0.68), dyslipidemia (p < 0.001, OR 1.84), and depression (p < 0.001, OR 2.56), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed dyslipidemia (female subjects, p < 0.001, OR 1.04; male subjects, p = 0.94, OR 1.09) and depression (female subjects, p < 0.001, OR 1.76; male subjects, p = 0.51, OR 0.62) were associated with osteoporotic female subjects but not in male subjects. The comorbidity of dyslipidemia and depression in female subjects was associated with osteoporosis and an odds ratio was 13.33 (95% CI: 8.58–20.71) (p < 0.001). The comorbidity of abdominal obesity (female subjects, p = 0.75, OR 0.97; male subjects, p = 0.94, OR 1.02) and hyperuricemia (female subjects, p = 0.27, OR 0.81; male subjects p = 0.07, OR 0.35) was not associated with osteoporosis in both Subgroup. The result of this study shows a strong dependency of comorbidity with dyslipidemia and depression in elderly women with osteoporosis. Therefore, efforts to improve dyslipidemia and depression might prevent compromised bone health.

scholarly journals From Isolation to Containment: Perceived Fear of Infectivity and Protective Behavioral Changes during the COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6503
Author(s):  
Arielle Kaim ◽  
Maya Siman-Tov ◽  
Eli Jaffe ◽  
Bruria Adini
Keyword(s):  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Road ◽  
Israeli Population ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Public Health Officials

In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, maintenance of protective behavior is a continued challenge in the effort to contain the spread of the virus. A cross-sectional study via an internet questionnaire was utilized to elucidate changes in compliance to protective behavior among the Israeli population (n = 1120), after the beginning of the vaccination campaign. Comparison was made between individuals who were previously infected with the virus, those who received one dose of inoculation with the vaccine, and individuals that were neither infected or vaccinated. The study results indicate that those who were previously infected with the COVID-19 virus were less careful about mask wearing (18.8%) and social distancing (29.7%), as compared to the other examined groups (regarding mask wearing, 8.2% and 11.6% respectively, and with regard to social distancing 12.8% and 19.2%) and may require targeted risk communication campaigns to address this population. Furthermore, the study revealed that those that were non-Jewish (as compared to Jewish study counterparts) or that were older (19+) were more vigilant in their protective behavior (29.6% vs. 11.2% respectively for social distancing and 29.6% vs. 11.1% respectively for mask wearing). Despite a successful initial vaccination campaign in Israel, public health officials need to engage all members of the public to unremittingly observe compliance to directed health guidelines, to ensure that the results of previous governmental efforts in fighting the pandemic (such as lockdowns) will be effectively sustained, and the road to containment will be hastened.

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