Health-Related Quality of Life for Jordanian-Recovered Individuals During Post-COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Aim: This study aims to determine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that includes the physical and mental health of recovered patients of COVID-19 and examines the significant impact of variables such as period of infection, sample demographics characteristics, hospitalization past, and chronic disease past and the other variables on HRQoL of COVID-19-recovered patients. Methods: An exploratory, community-based, cross-sectional research layout was adopted, using an electronic self-reporting survey disseminated online to recovered COVID-19 patients in Jordan. Targeted COVID-19 patients were individuals who were 18 years old or above. They had a documented background of COVID-19 illness, as stated in the following inclusion requirements: Those who had not been formally proven to have been afflicted by COVID-19 were excluded. Results: The mean of the physical well-being of study participants during COVID-19 was M=68.00 (SD=6.95), representing medium physical well-being status. The mean of psychological well-being of study participants during COVID-19 was M=60.20 (SD=8.85), representing medium physical health. Multiple regression showed that female recovered patients who are not working, with a low level of income, married women, and who getting COVID-19 more than once are having lower health-related quality of life compared to other recovered patients. Conclusion: The HRQoL of COVID-19 patients was significantly impacted, independent of the period since hospitalization or rehabilitation. Policymakers and health workers should research strong ways to enhance the HRQoL of COVID-19 patients as soon as possible. Elderly patients and those who have been infected more than one time and being hospitalized have a greater probability of decreased HRQoL after infection.

Smartwatch-based ecological momentary assessments for occupant wellness and privacy in buildings

This paper describes the adaptation of an open-source ecological momentary assessment smartwatch platform with three sets of micro-survey wellness-related questions focused on i) infectious disease (COVID-19) risk perception, ii) privacy and distraction in an office context, and iii) triggers of various movement-related behaviors in buildings. This platform was previously used to collect data for thermal comfort, and this work extends its use to other domains. Several research participants took part in a proof-of-concept experiment by wearing a smartwatch to collect their micro-survey question preferences and perception responses for two of the question sets. Participants were also asked to install an indoor localization app on their phone to detect where precisely in the building they completed the survey. The experiment identified occupant information such as the tendencies for the research participants to prefer privacy in certain spaces and the difference between infectious disease risk perception in naturally versus mechanically ventilated spaces. © 2022 17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2022. All rights reserved.

Acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children: Behind the statistics.

Since April 2022, the world has been witnessing a rapidly spreading outbreak of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children < 16 years old that has affected several countries around the world. Most of the cases have presented with the clinical picture of severe hepatitis that has led to resorting to liver transplantation in several cases. Despite the numerous theories that have been suggested on the possible underlying etiologies of the outbreak, an association with hepatitis A-E viruses and a link to COVID-19 vaccines have been excluded. Adenovirus serotype 41 has been detected in numerous cases, which makes it the most likely underlying cause of the disease. Nevertheless, other hypotheses are being investigated to justify the severity of the clinical picture, which is not typical of this type of virus. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the outbreak, highlight the suggested working hypotheses, and report the public health measures undertaken to tackle the outbreak.

Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines and Their Future Implications.

The continuous progress in vaccine development witnessed in the last decades, culminated with the development of vaccines against cancers, is set to change how various cancers are treated [...].

Regression of treatment-resistant gyrate atrophy-associated intraretinal cystic spaces using long-term diet restriction: A case report.

PURPOSE: Gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina (GA) is a rare genetic ophthalmologic condition which primarily manifests in childhood. It is characterized by hyperornithinemia and progressive chorioretinal atrophy. Patients may develop macular intraretinal cystic spaces (ICS) for which various treatment modalities have been reported. We report a patient who failed to demonstrate visual or anatomic improvement following multiple treatments for GA-associated ICS but showed improvement following prolonged dietary modification and vitamin supplementation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old male patient presented with previously undiagnosed GA associated with ICS. He received 6 consecutive monthly intravitreal bevacizumab injections as well as topical nepafenac and dorzolamide for treatment of ICS without significant change detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) following treatment. He was also maintained on an arginine restricted diet with vitamin B6 supplementation. Over the course of the ensuing year, the patient was lost to follow-up due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. When he returned, his vision was stable, and OCT showed regression of the ICS. His mother reported that he had continued only on dietary restriction and vitamin B6 supplementation with no other medications or interventions. Plasma ornithine level measurement confirmed dietary compliance. Further follow-up showed continued stabilization of the condition. CONCLUSION: In addition to retarding progressive chorioretinal atrophy, prolonged dietary modifications may result in improvement of treatment-resistant GA-associated ICS. Parents' education on the value of dietary modifications for patients with GA is highly recommended.

Pathogenesis and Management of COVID-19.

COVID-19, occurring due to SARS-COV-2 infection, is the most recent pandemic disease that has led to three million deaths at the time of writing. A great deal of effort has been directed towards altering the virus trajectory and/or managing the interactions of the virus with its subsequent targets in the human body; these interactions can lead to a chain reaction-like state manifested by a cytokine storm and progress to multiple organ failure. During cytokine storms the ratio of pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory mediators is generally increased, which contributes to the instigation of hyper-inflammation and confers advantages to the virus. Because cytokine expression patterns fluctuate from one person to another and even within the same person from one time to another, we suggest a road map of COVID-19 management using an individual approach instead of focusing on the blockbuster process (one treatment for most people, if not all). Here, we highlight the biology of the virus, study the interaction between the virus and humans, and present potential pharmacological and non-pharmacological modulators that might contribute to the global war against SARS-COV-2. We suggest an algorithmic roadmap to manage COVID-19.

Five-year trends in pediatric vision screening and access in the United States.

Analyses of the National Survey of Children's Health (2016-2020) demonstrated a 9.4% decrease in the proportion of children receiving eye screening from a specialist with an 85.7% increase in unmet vision care after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Mental health of COVID-19 recovered individuals: A national study from Jordan

Aim: To investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and subsequent long-term mental consequences among patients recovering from the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional and survey-based study was conducted in Jordan using Google Forms during the period from March to July of 2022. The requirement to participate was that individuals be at least 18 years old and have at least one symptomatic COVID-19 infection. A total of 2,055 subjects recruited in the study. Mental health was assessed using mental health inventory-38 (MHI-38). Results: Females represent 64.8% (n=1,182) of the sample. The mean age of the participants was 39.9±14.4 years. Subjects who recovered from COVID-19 scored slightly higher than moderate on different scales of MHI-38. These include anxiety, depression, loss of behavioral and emotional control, general positive affect, emotional ties, and life-satisfactions. The prevalence of depression among participants was 46.3% (n=952). The prevalence of anxiety among participants was 45.8% (n=942). The prevalence of loss of physical and emotional control was 47.2% (n=970). Multiple regression showed that employment status, tobacco use, and severe COVID-19 infection were associated with mental illness. Not working, using tobacco, and having severe COVID-19 infection were more likely to develop mental illness (p<0.01). Conclusion: Individuals who recover from COVID-19 are susceptible to developing mental illnesses. Factors associated with such susceptibility include employment status, tobacco use and severity of infection. The current findings can be used in mental health interventions targeting individuals who recovered from COVID-19.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Policy of Holding the Second Dose of Vaccination: Lessons from the Outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a lot of ethical controversy in the equal provision of healthcare, including vaccination. Therefore, our study was designed to assess the impact of Ho Chi Minh City's policy to hold the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Using a cross-sectional study design to assess low saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO2) risk based on vaccination status, we included patients who were confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 and were treated at home. The stepwise method was used to determine participants' low SPO2 risk-related factors. The average age of the 2836 respondents was 46.43 ± 17.33 (years). Research results have shown that seven factors are related to the low SPO2 status of participants, including age, sneezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and fainting as COVID-19 symptoms, the number of people living with COVID-19, and a history of lung disease. A statistically significant (p = 0.032) finding in this study was that fully vaccinated patients had a 6% lower risk of low SPO2 compared to the first dose less than 21 days group. This result was similar in the vaccine holder group (p < 0.001). Holding the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is associated with a lower SPO2 risk than that of fully vaccinated patients. Therefore, this approach should be considered by governments as it could bring a greater benefit to the community.

Corneal Adverse Events Associated with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review.

Vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have played an important global role in reducing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. While the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks, adverse events do occur. Non-ocular adverse effects of the vaccines have been well-documented, but descriptions of ophthalmic effects remain limited. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of reported cases of corneal adverse events after receiving vaccination against COVID-19 and to compile existing clinical data to bring attention to these phenomena. Our review discusses corneal graft rejection, including proposed mechanisms, herpetic keratitis, and other reported corneal complications. Ophthalmologists and primary care physicians should be aware of such possible associations.

The Prevalence And Risk Factors Of COVID-19 Among Taibah University's Medical Students And Their Families

Background: The incidence rate of COVID-19 infection among medical students may vary owing to diverse factors such as increased opportunities for contact, their medical background, and their behavior during the pandemic, which may reflect the incidence in their families. Methods: a retrospective cohort study comparing medical and non-medical students (244 for each group). Results: The incidence of COVID-19 in medical students was 20.5%, and 41% of the medical students surveyed reported one or more COVID- 19 infections in their families, compared to 23.8% and 45.9% of non-medical students, and their families, respectively. 4.7% of medical students had severe symptoms compared to non-medical (8.2%). Regarding the risk factors for infection, there were no significant differences between any of the groups except in PPE use. Medical students and their families had a shorter duration of illness. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection in medical students is most often transmitted by a family member. Medical students and their families are not more likely than others to contract COVID-19 infection, but they may have fewer symptoms, a shorter duration of illness, and less need for hospitalization.

COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Optic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review of 45 Patients.

We provide a systematic review of published cases of optic neuropathy following COVID-19 vaccination. We used Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Search terms included: "COVID-19 vaccination", "optic neuropathy", "optic neuritis", and "ischemic optic neuropathy". The titles and abstracts were screened, then the full texts were reviewed. Sixty eyes from forty-five patients (28 females) were included. Eighteen eyes from fourteen patients (31.1%) were diagnosed with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), while 34 eyes from 26 patients (57.8%) were diagnosed with optic neuritis (ON). Other conditions included autoimmune optic neuropathy and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. Fifteen patients (33.3%) had bilateral involvement. The mean age of all patients was 47.4 ± 17.1 years. The mean age of AION patients was 62.9 ± 12.2 years and of ON patients was 39.7 ± 12.8 years (p < 0.001). The mean time from vaccination to ophthalmic symptoms was 9.6 ± 8.7 days. The mean presenting visual acuity (VA) was logMAR 0.990 ± 0.924. For 41 eyes with available follow-up, the mean presenting VA was logMAR 0.842 ± 0.885, which improved to logMAR 0.523 ± 0.860 at final follow-up (p < 0.001). COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with different forms of optic neuropathy. Patients diagnosed with ON were more likely to be younger and to experience visual improvement. More studies are needed to further characterize optic neuropathies associated with COVID-19 vaccination.

Phlyctenular Keratoconjunctivitis in a Patient With COVID-19 Infection.

ABSTRACT: The coronavirus disease 2019 global pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several ophthalmic manifestations have been reported to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including conjunctivitis, acute sixth nerve palsy, and multiple cranial neuropathies. We present a unique case of unilateral phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in a 5-year-old boy in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Changes in physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic among Saudi Arabians: Results from a cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant change in sedentary behaviors have had immense health, economic, and social implications globally. As governments worldwide imposed lockdowns and curfews, the amount of time spent indoors greatly increased. This lead to a dramatic change in physical activity (PA) levels and profound consequences on daily routines. Our study aimed to investigate patterns of PA during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults residing in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional survey-based study aimed to investigate patterns of PA during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults residing in Saudi Arabia. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was utilized to measure participants' PA levels between April 2021 and May 2021. Participants were then classified into three groups according to their PA level, and their PA levels and sedentary behaviors were analyzed. Results: We surveyed 463 participants, 315 (68%) of which were female and 134 (32%) of which were male with a median age of 23 (interquartile range, 21-35) years. Moderate-to-high PA was reported by 257 (55.7%) of the participants. There was a significant decrease in PA during the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns among the participants (p = 0.04), with higher rates of sedentary behavior among males than females (p = 0.14). Conclusions: The decline in PA is a profound challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic that needs to be addressed by health practitioners and policymakers. Our study highlights the decline in PA levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of promotional programs and interventions to increase PA among the Saudi Arabian population without compromising the essential health restrictions and social distancing.

A retrospective cohort study of bladder cancer following the COVID-19 pandemic: Are patients presenting with more aggressive disease?

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in delays in the treatment of patients with urological malignancies. The management of bladder cancer (BC) in particular poses a significant challenge given the recurrent nature of the disease and the intense follow-up regime required for many cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential changes in the presentation and operative management of BC in our hospital following the pandemic. Materials and methods This is a retrospective cohort study. Potential BC cases were identified through the histopathology database between March 2019 and February 2021. Details were obtained on patient demographics, procedure type such as biopsy, resection or excision, grade and stage of BC. Cases were divided into two groups: period one (pre-COVID between March 2019 and February 2020) and period two (post-COVID between March 2020 and February 2021). Results A total of 207 procedures for confirmed BC were performed during the study period, 126 in period one and 81 in period two. New cases accounted for 52.4% (n = 66) and 53.1% (n = 43) of cases during periods one and two respectively. There was a higher rate of invasive disease (43.2% vs 26.2%) as well as high grade disease (47.4% vs 35.8%) in period two than in period one. Conclusion Fewer BC procedures were performed in the COVID period. The higher rate of more advanced stage and grade of disease seen in period two suggests patients are presenting later. This should be considered when allocating resources in the management of non-COVID related diseases. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of COVID-19 on bladder cancer outcome.

Olfactory disturbances as presenting manifestation among egyptian patients with COVID-19: Possible role of zinc

Objectives: COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Deficiency of zinc has been supposed to contribute to loss of smell and taste in COVID-19 patients. Our study aimed to assess the serum zinc levels among patients with COVID-19 of various severities, with and without olfaction dysfunction, and to evaluate the effect of zinc therapy in recovery of smell dysfunction among such patients. Materials and Methods: This study included 134 patients;real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) proved SARS-CoV-2. Serum zinc levels were measured for all infected patients. One hundred and five patients were detected to have anosmia and/or hyposmia and were categorized randomly into 2 groups;the first group included 49 patients who received zinc therapy and the second group included 56 patients who did not received zinc. All patients were followed up for the recovery duration of olfactory and gustatory symptoms and duration of complete recovery of COVID-19. Results: Olfactory dysfunction was reported in 105 patients (78.4%). Serum zinc levels were not significantly different between the patient subgroups regarding disease severity or the presence or absence of olfactory and/or gustatory dysfunction (p -0.05). The median duration of recovery of gustatory and/or olfactory function was significantly shorter among patients who received zinc therapy than those who did not received zinc (p<0.001), while the median duration of complete recovery from COVID-19 was not significantly different among the two groups (p - 0.05). Conclusion: Although the zinc status of COVID-19 patients did not exhibit a significant role in development of anosmia and/or hyposmia or disease severity, zinc therapy may have a significant role in shortening the duration of smell recovery in those patients without affecting the total recovery duration from COVID-19.