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Investor sentiment is the result of trading behavior and irrational beliefs of investors leading to high volatility and market mispricing. This review aims to study the entire spectrum of articles in the domain of investor sentiment using a bibliometric analysis approach. To this end, the study analyzes a total of 1, 919 articles published in the Scopus database between 1979 and 2022. The review uncovers major themes, leading authors, influencing articles, trend topics, top contributing countries, and affiliations. The review shows that the research in the domain of investor sentiment is growing exponentially with an annual growth rate of 15.88%, and the year 2020 witnessed the highest number of scientific productions accounting for 252 (13.68%) total publications. The results display that the USA and China are leading countries in terms of the total contribution and volume of studies from respective authors. The review also reveals that existing research in the field has mainly focused on themes such as market efficiency, asset pricing, stock returns, sentiment analysis, IPO underpricing, overreaction, and volatility, whereas Covid-19 and Bitcoin depicted as emerging themes from recent scholarly works. © Aditi N Kamath, Sandeep S Shenoy, Subrahmanya Kumar N, 2022.
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Background and Objectives: With the prevalence of a large number of febrile diseases in the Asia-Pacific region, the presentation of fever poses a diagnostic dilemma for physicians during the COVID era. We noticed an alarming increase in the number of cases of leptospirosis during the pandemic. Hence, we conducted a study to compare the trend, complications, and outcomes of patients with leptospirosis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective, hospital case record-based analytical study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Mangaluru. All patients who were admitted to our hospital from March to October 2019 (before the COVID pandemic) and from March to October 2020 (during the COVID pandemic) with a clinical and laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of leptospirosis were included in our study. Patient records were screened, and demographic, clinical, and laboratory information was collected. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 16.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Results: The incidence of leptospirosis was higher during the COVID pandemic (102 vs. 62). The mean age of leptospirosis patients in 2019 and 2020 was 45.18 and 45.19 years, respectively. Fewer patients with leptospirosis reported fever during the pandemic (69.6% vs. 94.2%). There was an increased incidence of complications such as hepatitis (84.3% vs. 31.9%), acute kidney injury (87.3% vs. 52.2%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (20.6% vs. 8.7%), and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (68.6% vs. 33.3%) in 2020. The case fatality rate Was higher in 2020 (2 0. 6 %) when compared to 2019 (5. 8 %) Conclusions: There was an increase in Proportion of leptospirosiscases, complications and mortality during the COVID pandemic. This is a cause for concern. More studies are needed in the community to determine the reason for this increase. © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
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Purpose Solid Organ Transplant recipients (SOT) are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mortality rates reported between 13 to over 30% in SOT recipients. SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination may help reduce the morbidity and mortality of COVID‐19 among SOT. There is paucity of literature of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination efficacy in lung transplantation recipients . The purpose of the study was 1) to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 vaccination efficacy & safety in lung transplantation recipients and 2) to assess the need for 3rd booster dose. Methods A retrospective study (from Jan 2021 till Oct 2021) of lung transplantation recipients receiving 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination available in India i.e. ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 Corona Virus Vaccine (Recombinant) or Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell vaccine, was done to evaluate vaccination efficacy and safety. SARS-CoV-2 spike COVID antibodies levels were checked 4 weeks after 2nd dose of vaccination. Local and Systemic reactions to vaccination were noted Results 11 Bilateral lung transplantation recipients and 4 Combined Heart-Lung transplantation recipients received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Out of 15 recipients, 11 recipients received ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 Corona Virus Vaccine (Recombinant) and 4 recipients received Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell vaccine. 12 recipients developed mild pain at vaccination site, 2 recipients developed local tenderness and 1 recipient developed redness at vaccination site as part of local reaction . 5 recipients developed fever, 5 recipients experienced fatigue/bodypain, 2 recipients had vomiting, 2 recipients experienced headache & 1 recipient developed abdominal pain as part of systemic reactions. 8 (53.3%) out of 15 recipients developed significant SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies level demonstrating vaccination efficacy. 7 (46.6%) recipients demonstrated lower SARS-CoV-2 antibodies titre (Less than cut off values) indicating no significant vaccination efficacy. 1 recipient developed vaccine breakthrough mild infection after 2nd dose. Conclusion Our experience has shown that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination efficacy was demonstrated in nearly 50 % of lung transplantation recipients. The study also showed safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in such immunocompromised subset. However, for those recipients with no vaccination efficacy, utility of 3rd booster dose and at what interval needs more research.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has proved to be a severe global public health threat, causing high infection rates and mortality worldwide. Burundi was not spared the adverse health outcomes of COVID-19. Although Burundi's initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized, hope arose in June 2020 when the new government instituted a plan to slow virus transmission that included public health campaigns, international travel restrictions, and mass testing, all of which proved effective. Burundi has faced many challenges in containing the virus, the first of which was the lack of initial preparedness and appropriate response to COVID-19. This was exacerbated by factors including shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), limited numbers of life-saving ventilators (around 12 ventilators as of April 2020), and the presence of only one COVID-19 testing center with less than ten technicians in July 2020. Moreover, as Burundi is amongst the poorest countries in the world, some citizens were unable to access necessities such as water and soap, required for compliance with government recommendations regarding hygiene. Interestingly, Burundi did not implement a nationwide lockdown, allowing mass gatherings and public services to continue as usual due to a firm belief in God's protection. As the daily confirmed cases have tripled since December 2020, Burundi must prepare itself for the threat of a new wave. Establishing precautionary measures to contain the virus and strengthening the health surveillance system in Burundi would significantly positively impact the prevention and management of COVID-19.
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Background: Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD) may be at an increased risk for COVID-19 infection and poorer outcomes when compared with the general population. We undertook this study to estimate the risk of COVID-19 infection in our AIRD population and determine parameters which contribute to its occurrence. Methods: We prospectively recruited all consecutive AIRD patients on immunosuppressive therapy from 14 specialist rheumatology centers across south Indian state of Karnataka during current COVID-19 pandemic and followed them longitudinally. Results: Among 3807 participants, the majority were women (2.9:1), mean age was 43.8 (+14.3) years, rheumatoid arthritis (52.1%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (14.8%) were the most frequent diagnosis. Twenty-three (0.6%) patients contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. Age >60 years (P = 0.01), diabetes (P = 0.009), hypertension (P = 0.001), preexisting lung disease (P = 0.0002), current prescription of either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blockers (P = 0.01), and higher glucocorticoids dosage (P = 0.002) were identified as potential risk factors in our cohort. The past use of cyclophosphamide (P = 0.0001) or mycophenolate mofeti (P = 0.003) or biologics (P = 0.001) also had a significant association with COVID-19 infection. Hydroxychloroquine use did not influence occurrence or outcome. The presence of underlying lung disease (relative risk - 3.08, 95% confidence interval - 1.21, 8.44, P = 0.029) was the only independent risk factor associated with the risk of COVID positivity in the multivariate analysis. Incidence rate of COVID-19 infection was similar to that of the general population (P = 0.22). Conclusions: The incidence of SARS CoV-2 infection in AIRD population is comparable to the general population. Underlying lung disease was the most important risk factor apart from older age, diabetes, hypertension, and a higher glucocorticoid dosage. © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
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Background/AimsIndividuals on immunosuppressive therapies were among thoseidentified by the UK Department of Health and Chief Medical Officeras clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Advice on shieldingfrom infection was disseminated by NHS England, primary care andNHS hospital trusts to those identified at highest risk. The BritishSociety for Rheumatology (BSR) developed further risk stratificationguidance specifically focused on autoimmune rheumatic disease. As the UK entered a period of nationwide lockdown on 23rd March 2020, the clinically highly vulnerable group were asked to shield frominfection by staying at home and avoiding any face-to-face contact foran initial period of 12 weeks. The implications of social isolation, disruption to planned medical care and economic consequencesbecame increasingly recognised. This work aimed to understand theexperience and wellbeing of this patient group during week 5 -6 of UKLockdown, as a guide to how we might best adapt services andaddress the needs of this group.MethodsShort semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 141patients during week five and six of UK lockdown, between 20th Apriland 1st May 2020. Participants were sampled systematically from thedepartmental biologic therapy database at Wexham Park Hospital, ageneral hospital providing services to a diverse population ofapproximately 450, 000 people in Berkshire and SouthBuckinghamshire.ResultsTelephone interview was conducted with 141 patients prescribedbiologic therapy. Written advice on risk and shielding was received byover 90%. Sixty four percent of respondents were female with amedian age of 56 years. Thirty-nine percent of those interviewed fellwithin highest BSR risk category for whom full shielding was highlyrecommended, yet at the time of interview 51.1% of respondentsreported they had committed to full shielding. Four percent ofrespondents self-identified as key workers and had continued theirusual commitments. Amongst those interviewed, 35% reportedsignificant adverse impact on their emotional and mental wellbeingwithin the first six weeks of UK lockdown. Isolation, uncertainty, limitedphysical exercise and cancellations to planned appointments werecommon themes. Twenty-eight percent of respondents felt theirdisease control had significantly deteriorated during the ongoingpandemic. Due to prevailing anxiety about the impact of immunosuppression on COVID-19 risk, 5% of patients had adjusted theirprescribed therapies without the direct supervision or clinical advice.ConclusionThis study gives initial insights into the behaviours and concerns ofpatients with autoimmune and inflammatory disease on biologictherapy during the first wave of COVID-19 in the UK. Wellbeing anddisease management have considerably suffered for many individuals.Further understanding patient experience may help guide restructuringof rheumatology services in next phase of the UK pandemic.
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COVID19 pandemic is playing havoc all around the world. Though the world is fighting this invisible enemy it has succumbed to the devastating potential of the Coronavirus. Largest of world economies and developed nations have been exposed and their health infrastructure has collapsed during this testing time. It is assessed and predicted that the novel coronavirus which is responsible for COVID19 pandemic, may turn into an endemic (just like HIV) and will never go away. It will become part and parcel of our life and humans have to learn to live with it even if the vaccine is developed. The government’s world over is concerned with containment and eradication of this virus at the earliest and massive efforts are on at all front to contain it’s spread. As of now (3rd week of May 2020), more than 4.4 million cases of the disease have been recorded worldwide and more than 300,000 have died. The world has also seen technological innovation during this time and mechanisms to tackle COVID19 patients. Innovations in carrying out quick testing using Rapid testing kits, Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered thermal scanning for temperature monitoring in the crowd, AI-enabled contact tracing, Mobile Apps, low-cost ventilators, and many other such similar solutions. All these pertain to checking for COVID19 symptoms and taking actions thereafter, but what about the stress, pain, and shock of a person who has been put under quarantine in a facility meant for the purpose or the person who is Corona positive? In this chapter, the authors have discussed briefly the pandemic and tried to provide a solution for the mental wellbeing of such people who are under quarantine and are isolated but heavily stressed or showing stress symptoms, by creating a VisualBOT which could understand the facial expression of the person and judge his mood, for providing suitable counseling and help. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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Purpose The uniqueness and immunological complexity, makes double lung transplantation a challenging high end surgical management for end stage lung disease. Finding the ideal donor organ offers a multitude of logistical barriers., and when that happens, a size mismatch should never be an excuse to waddle the opportunity. The objective of this retrospective review was to observe the clinical outcomes of double lung transplant recipients who underwent non anatomical pulmonary resections. Methods Our team had done 67 double lung transplantations in 2019 and 20 double lung transplants in 2020. A significant reduction by volume was possibly because of lesser donor organ availability in a covid inflicted scenario,thereby creating greater momentum to salvage every donor organ available. A total of sixteen recipients (11 in 2019, 5 in 2020)had undergone size reduction to accomodate oversized lungs. We reviewed the data (case series) of all the sixteen patients who had undergone non anatomical pulmonary resections prior to primary chest closure. Results Out of the 87 double lung transplantation recipients, 16 recipients had to undergo size reduction, 10 recipients underwent resections isolated to right lung, the segments resected were the anterior part of middle lobe, and lower lobe basal and posterior segments.6 patients had both right and left lung resections, the lingulae being the resected segment . Linear endovascular stapples were used for resection, enhanced with bovine pericardium or donor pericardium. Fifteen of the recipients had no post-operative air leak, one had trivial air leak that settled with conservative management and did not require an additional intercostal drainage. Conclusion With good prerequisites, non anatomical resection in an oversized donor organ does not add to the morbidity in the short follow up.
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Much of routine cancer care has been disrupted due to the perceived susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients. Here, we systematically review the current evidence base pertaining to the prevalence, presentation and outcome of COVID-19 in cancer patients, in order to inform policy and practice going forwards. A keyword-structured systematic search was conducted on Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase and MedRxiv databases for studies reporting primary data on COVID-19 in cancer patients. Studies were critically appraised using the NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's quality assessment tool set. The pooled prevalence of cancer as a co-morbidity in patients with COVID-19 and pooled in-hospital mortality risk of COVID-19 in cancer patients were derived by random-effects meta-analyses. In total, 110 studies from 10 countries were included. The pooled prevalence of cancer as a co-morbidity in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 was 2.6% (95% confidence interval 1.8%, 3.5%, I2: 92.0%). Specifically, 1.7% (95% confidence interval 1.3%, 2.3%, I2: 57.6.%) in China and 5.6% (95% confidence interval 4.5%, 6.7%, I2: 82.3%) in Western countries. Patients most commonly presented with non-specific symptoms of fever, dyspnoea and chest tightness in addition to decreased arterial oxygen saturation, ground glass opacities on computer tomography and non-specific changes in inflammatory markers. The pooled in-hospital mortality risk among patients with COVID-19 and cancer was 14.1% (95% confidence interval 9.1%, 19.8%, I2: 52.3%). We identified impeding questions that need to be answered to provide the foundation for an iterative review of the developing evidence base, and inform policy and practice going forwards. Analyses of the available data corroborate an unfavourable outcome of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and cancer. Our findings encourage future studies to report detailed social, demographic and clinical characteristics of cancer patients, including performance status, primary cancer type and stage, as well as a history of anti-cancer therapeutic interventions.