The Potential Impact of Heparanase Activity and Endothelial Damage in COVID-19 Disease.

SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in 2019 in Wuhan, China. It has been found to be the most pathogenic virus among coronaviruses and is associated with endothelial damage resulting in respiratory failure. Determine whether heparanase and heparan sulfate fragments, biomarkers of endothelial function, can assist in the risk stratification and clinical management of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit. We investigated 53 critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 admitted between March and April 2020 to the University Hospital RWTH Aachen. Heparanase activity and serum levels of both heparanase and heparan sulfate were measured on day one (day of diagnosis) and day three in patients with COVID-19. The patients were classified into four groups according to the severity of ARDS. When compared to baseline data (day one), heparanase activity increased and the heparan sulfate serum levels decreased with increasing severity of ARDS. The heparanase activity significantly correlated with the lactate concentration on day one (r = 0.34, p = 0.024) and on day three (r = 0.43, p = 0.006). Heparanase activity and heparan sulfate levels correlate with COVID-19 disease severity and outcome. Both biomarkers might be helpful in predicting clinical course and outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

The impact of COVID-19 on older adults: Results from an annual survey.

OBJECTIVES: Assess well-being among older adults through secondary analysis measured during an annual survey in 2018, 2019, and 2020, to determine trends from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Mailed surveys sent annually included measures related to various psychosocial factors. MAIN FINDINGS: Response rates were 29% in 2018, 25% in 2019, and 24% in 2020. Most respondents reported average or high resilience (89% 2018-2020), high purpose (64% in 2018 and 2019, 63% in 2020), moderate optimism (46% in 2019, 44% in 2020) and low stress (88% in 2019 and 2020). Reported loneliness increased 13% from 2018 to 2020. In 2020, only 45% reported high comfort with technology, decreasing with age (>75). PRINCIPAL CONCLUSION: Psychosocial well-being of respondents were doing well despite changes related to COVID-19. However, increased loneliness may negatively impact long-term health outcomes; thus, a focus on technology options to stay socially connected and access healthcare are needed.

Preliminary Impact of a Social Connection Program on Older Adults

Background Research demonstrates social connections decrease loneliness and improves life satisfaction among older adults. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has limited social connectedness, specifically for older adults. Thus, programs aiming to increase social connectedness among older adults are imperative. Purpose The primary objective of this study was to determine if the telephonic Peer-to-Peer (P2P) program can improve social connectedness and loneliness among older adults. A secondary objective was to determine whether additional improvements in life satisfaction and perception of aging were achieved. Methods Eligible older adults (age 65+) were recruited via outbound calls and/or a mailer. Participants were mailed a T1 survey, completed intervention training, and matched into a dyad. The matched dyad engaged in weekly telephone calls for 12 weeks. Post 12 weeks, participants completed a T2 survey, and a T3 four weeks later. Results Overall, 7,544 individuals were contacted to participate, and 759 expressed interest in participation. A total of 475 participants (62%) completed a T1, 372 (78%) completed training, and 348 (94%) were matched. Gender distribution was skewed towards females (74%), and most were 65-74 years old (53%). Preliminary results show significant differences between lonely and not lonely participants, with lonely participants reporting more negative health associations across all measures. Conclusion Once agreeing to participate, results showed a high likelihood of continuing in P2P, thus demonstrating a social connectedness opportunity for older adults. Delay in mailing and scheduling training may contribute to challenges in attrition. However, developing automated processes utilizing technology may decrease lag time for future phases.

COVID-19 Era Social Isolation among Older Adults.

Risk of COVID-19 exposure and more severe illness are serious concerns for older adults. Social distancing has worsened existing social isolation, with severe impacts on connectedness among seniors. The pandemic is threatening to cause an extended health crisis, with impacts including serious health consequences. Our primary purpose is to summarize emerging research describing the impacts of the pandemic on social isolation among older adults. A streamlined search was conducted to fit the scope of this literature review. Common research databases and mainstream resources and websites were utilized to identify research published or released in 2020 to align with the pandemic. Early research indicates that the pandemic has worsened social isolation among older adults. Social isolation has become urgent, as seniors have lost their usual connections due to social distancing. While safety measures are critical to prevent virus exposure, this approach must be balanced with maintaining social connectedness. The pandemic highlights the importance of social connections, with significant impacts on both community-living older adults and those in nursing facilities. Safety protocols have created a paradox of reduced risk along with greater harm. Consequently, adapted approaches are urgently needed to address the consequences of a long-term social recession.