Remdesivir plus dexamethasone is associated to improve the clinical outcome of COVID-19 hospitalized patients regardless of their vaccination status Remdesivir más dexametasona se asocian a una reducción de los eventos clínicos en los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19, independientemente de su estado de vacunación

Introduction Remdesivir seems to reduce the risk of hospitalization and improve clinical outcome in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Objectives To compare the clinical outcome of COVID-19 hospitalized patients treated with remdesivir plus dexamethasone versus dexamethasone alone, according to their vaccination status. Material and methods A retrospective observational study was carried out in 165 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from October 2021 to January 2022. Multivariate logistic regression, Kaplan–Meier and the log-rank tests were used to evaluate the event (need for ventilation or death). Results Patients treated with remdesivir plus dexamethasone (n = 87) compared with dexamethasone alone (n = 78) showed similar age (60 ± 16, 47–70 vs. 62 ± 37, 51–74 years) and number of comorbidities: 1 (0–2) versus 1.5 (1–3). Among 73 fully vaccinated patients, 42 (47.1%) were in remdesivir plus dexamethasone and 31 (41%) in dexamethasone alone. Patients treated with remdesivir plus dexamethasone needed intensive care less frequently (17.2% vs. 31%;p = 0.002), high-flow oxygen (25.3% vs. 50.0%;p = 0.002) and non-invasive mechanical ventilation (16.1% vs. 47.4%;p < 0.001). Furthermore, they had less complications during hospitalization (31.0% vs. 52.6%;p = 0.008), need of antibiotics (32.2% vs. 59%;p = 0.001) and radiologic worsening (21.8% vs. 44.9%;p = 0.005). Treatment with remdesivir plus dexamethasone (aHR, 0.26;95% CI: 0.14–0.48;p < 0.001) and vaccination (aHR 0.39;95% CI: 0.21–0.74) were independent factors associated with lower progression to mechanical ventilation or death. Conclusions Remdesivir in combination with dexamethasone and vaccination independently and synergistically protects hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen therapy from progression to severe disease or dead.

Coping strategies in obsessive-compulsive patients during Covid-19 lockdown.

The main aim of this study was to compare coping strategies in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and a healthy control group during COVID-19 lockdown and to analyze the relationship with some variables which may influence results (depression, anxiety, comorbidity, subtype of obsession-compulsion). METHOD: There were 237 participants, 122 OCD and 115 healthy controls, aged 17-61 years old (M = 33.48, SD = 11.13). RESULTS: Groups showed differences in the use of some adaptive strategies (positive reinterpretation, acceptance, humor) and maladaptive (denial, self-blame). Within obsessive-compulsive group, comorbidity affected the greater use of inappropriate strategies (denial, substance abuse and self-blame) while type of obsession-compulsion did not influence use. Anxiety and depression levels were related to the use of less adaptive strategies. CONCLUSIONS: These findings strengthen the need for training in the use of effective and adaptive coping strategies, making it necessary to improve clinical follow-up of these patients. It is relevant to be in contact with healthcare professionals, review medication and observe the anxiety and depression levels.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas por pacientes con Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC) durante el confinamiento debido a la COVID-19 frente a controles sanos y analizar su relación con algunas variables que pueden influir en los resultados (ansiedad, depresión, comorbilidad, tipo de obsesiones-compulsiones). Método: Los participantes fueron 237, 122 diagnosticados de Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y 115 controles sanos, con edades comprendidas entre 13 y 58 años (M = 34,60, DT = 10,41). Resultados: Los grupos presentaron diferencias en el uso de algunas estrategias adaptativas (reinterpretación positiva, aceptación, humor) y desadaptativas (negación, autoculpa). Dentro del grupo TOC, la comorbilidad afectó para el mayor uso de estrategias inadecuadas (negación, abuso de sustancias y autoculpa), mientras que el tipo de obsesiones-compulsiones no influyó en el uso de las mismas. Los niveles de ansiedad y depresión estaban relacionadas con el uso de estrategias menos adaptativas. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos refuerzan la necesidad de entrenar en la utilización de estrategias de afrontamiento eficaces y adaptativas, siendo necesario mejorar el seguimiento clínico de estos pacientes. Es importante estar en contacto con profesionales de la salud, revisar la medicación y observar los niveles de ansiedad y depresión.

Remdesivir plus dexamethasone is associated to improve the clinical outcome of COVID-19 hospitalized patients regardless of their vaccination status.

INTRODUCTION: Remdesivir seems to reduce the risk of hospitalization and improve clinical outcome in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical outcome of COVID-19 hospitalized patients treated with remdesivir plus dexamethasone versus dexamethasone alone, according to their vaccination status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out in 165 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from October 2021 to January 2022. Multivariate logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier and the log-rank tests were used to evaluate the event (need for ventilation or death). RESULTS: Patients treated with remdesivir plus dexamethasone (n=87) compared with dexamethasone alone (n=78) showed similar age (60±16, 47-70 vs. 62±37, 51-74 years) and number of comorbidities: 1 (0-2) versus 1.5 (1-3). Among 73 fully vaccinated patients, 42 (47.1%) were in remdesivir plus dexamethasone and 31 (41%) in dexamethasone alone. Patients treated with remdesivir plus dexamethasone needed intensive care less frequently (17.2% vs. 31%; p=0.002), high-flow oxygen (25.3% vs. 50.0%; p=0.002) and non-invasive mechanical ventilation (16.1% vs. 47.4%; p<0.001). Furthermore, they had less complications during hospitalization (31.0% vs. 52.6%; p=0.008), need of antibiotics (32.2% vs. 59%; p=0.001) and radiologic worsening (21.8% vs. 44.9%; p=0.005). Treatment with remdesivir plus dexamethasone (aHR, 0.26; 95% CI: 0.14-0.48; p<0.001) and vaccination (aHR 0.39; 95% CI: 0.21-0.74) were independent factors associated with lower progression to mechanical ventilation or death. CONCLUSIONS: Remdesivir in combination with dexamethasone and vaccination independently and synergistically protects hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen therapy from progression to severe disease or dead.

Black carbon aerosol reductions during COVID-19 confinement quantified by aircraft measurements over Europe

The abrupt reduction in human activities during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented atmospheric conditions. To quantify the changes in lower tropospheric air pollution, we conducted the BLUESKY aircraft campaign and measured vertical profiles of black carbon (BC) aerosol particles over western and southern Europe in May and June 2020. We compared the results to similar measurements of the EMeRGe EU campaign performed in July 2017 and found that the BC mass concentrations (MBC) were reduced by about 48%. For BC particle number concentrations, we found comparable reductions. Based on ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) chemistry-transport model simulations, we found differences in meteorological conditions and flight patterns responsible for about 7% of the MBC reductions. Accordingly 41% of MBC reductions can be attributed to reduced anthropogenic emissions. Our results reflect the strong and immediate positive effect of changes in human activities on air quality and the atmospheric role of BC aerosols as a major air pollutant in the Anthropocene.

Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Depression in OCD and Schizophrenia: Changes during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The main aim was to examine changes in coping strategies, anxiety and depression in obsessive-compulsive and schizophrenia patients during COVID-19, in addition to controlling the influence of intolerance to uncertainty and experiential avoidance. METHOD: The first time, the study comprised (15-30 April 2020) 293 patients, 113 of whom were diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, 61 with schizophrenia and 119 healthy controls, aged 13-77 years (M = 37.89, SD = 12.65). The second time (15-30 November), the study comprised 195 participants (85 obsessive-compulsive patients, 42 schizophrenic patiens and 77 healthy controls participants). The evaluation was carried out through an online survey. RESULTS: The clinical groups worsened over time in cognitive coping, anxiety and depression, while the control group only worsened in depression. Intergroup differences in anxiety, depression and coping strategies were maintained, highlighting the use of some maladaptive strategies (avoidance, spiritual) in clinical groups. Experiential avoidance and tolerance for uncertainty mainly affected coping. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of COVID-19 not only produced changes in anxiety and depression in clinical groups but also in coping strategies to face this pandemic and its consequences.