ABSTRACT
Background. Limited data exists regarding the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). The purpose of the study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and HIV versus those without HIV. Methods. This was a retrospective, cohort study of adult patients admitted with confirmed COVID-19 from March 1st to May 30th 2020 at an urban hospital in New York City. Data collected included demographics, past medical history, HIV status, baseline laboratory values, treatment and outcomes such as length of stay, mechanical ventilation, patient disposition at discharge, and in-hospital mortality. Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical values and a t-test was used to compare continuous values. Results. Out of 983 patients, 6.9% were PLWH and 93.1% were HIV-negative. The average age in both groups was 61 vs. 62 years, respectively. There were more male patients in the PLWH than the non-HIV group (76.8% vs. 58.6%). Majority of PLWH were Black (49.3%). Forty-seven percent of PLWH were mechanically ventilated versus 33.3% of the non-HIV group. The most common comorbidity in both groups was hypertension (82.4% vs. 72.6%). When compared to HIV-negative patients, PLWH had a higher rate of kidney disease (72.1% vs. 53.6%, p=0.0086), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (41.2% vs. 14.5%, p=0.0001), liver disease (45.6% vs. 11.5%, p=0.0001) and current smoking (14.3% vs. 5.8%, p=0.0103). In PLWH, 70.6% of patients were on an integrase-based regimen. Fifty-three percent of PLWH had a CD4 count of > 200 cells/mm3 and 35.3% had an undetectable viral load (< 20 copies/mL). Unadjusted hospital mortality was 51.4% in PLWH and 36.2% in the non-HIV cohort (p=0.0089). The average length of hospital stay was 9.1 days vs. 8.4 days in PLWH versus the non-HIV group (p=0.4493). More patients were discharged to a nursing home in the non-HIV group vs. PLWH (37.8% vs. 14.3%, p=0.0001). Conclusion. Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and HIV had a higher in-hospital mortality compared to those without HIV during the first COVID wave in New York City.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to empirically analyze the contagion effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on stock returns of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). In this context, the causal changes of three major macroeconomic indicators i.e. gold prices, prices of real estate, and the US exchange rate on the stock market returns were assessed. The daily indices of stock returns, house prices index, plot price index, daily prices of gold, and the daily US dollar exchange rate are analyzed. The data spanning six months, including three months of pre-COVID-19 and three months of post-COVID-19, was analyzed using Eviews software. The event study methodology is used, and the GARCH model is applied to test the relations. The findings highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stock returns and reveal a significant change in the relationship between prices of gold and the stock market returns. Similarly, the change in the relations between stock market returns and real estate prices got significant support. However, the change in the relations between the US dollar exchange rate and stock market returns was found insignificant. The study contributes by providing evidence that explains the changes in dynamics of the capital market during the pandemic. The study also helps the investors to understand how macroeconomic variables behave during periods of stress. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: According to the WHO guidelines the use of masks has been advocated as one of the most essential and effective barriers against the transmission of the Novel Coronavirus. Objectives: For oral healthcare professionals it is imperative to understand details regarding personal protective equipment. This is because they are in proximity to the patients while carrying out treatments and as such are at a high risk of transmission because of various aerosol-generating procedures. Different types of masks are available which have different efficiency levels in terms of filtration, fluid resistance and shielding from the virus. Description and Results: This article reviews the different types of masks and respirators available and how effective they are in providing protection and safety against virus transmission. Conclusion: Use of an appropriate mask or respirator, depending on the procedure being done, is the need of the hour along with proper personal protective measures.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study is undertaken to examine the role of information and communication technology (ICT), e-service quality and e-information quality towards brand image of universities by concentrating on students’ e-learning, e-word of mouth and satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: The target population was the students of public and private universities in Pakistan. Data collected using an e-questionnaire by 408 students were subjected to PLS-SEM for analysis. Findings: Findings revealed that ICT, e-service quality and e-information quality are positively contributed toward students' e-learning which ultimately leads to create positive e-word of mouth and students' satisfaction. Meanwhile, results also identified that e-word of mouth and students' satisfaction lead to generate a positive brand image of universities. Practical implications: This study has unique implications for universities to develop an e-learning platform to facilitate their students in this situation of COVID-19. It provides guidelines for educational institutions to implement the learning management system effectively with a view to facilitate the students with education. Originality/value: This study has novel contribution in literature in the domain of digital learning. It is unique in a way to integrate the usage of technology with students' e-learning and satisfaction that ultimately create brand image of universities. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.