Leveraging corona virus disease 2019 vaccination to promote hepatitis C screening.

Health care initiatives, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening, have been greatly overshadowed by the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, COVID-19 vaccination programs also provide an opportunity to engage with a high volume of people in a health care setting. We collaborated with a large COVID vaccination center to offer HCV point-of-care testing followed by dried blood spot collection for HCV RNA. Additionally, this opportunity was used to evaluate the practical significance of a 5-minute version of the OraQuick HCV antibody test in lieu of the standard 20-minute test. We tested 2317 individuals; 31 were HCV antibody positive and six were RNA positive of which four were treated and reached sustained virological response. Over a third of those surveyed said they would not have participated had the test required 20 minutes. Conclusion: Colocalizing HCV testing and linkage to care at a COVID vaccination clinic was found to be highly feasible; furthermore, a shortened antibody test greatly improves the acceptance of testing.

Repercussions of perceived threat to health in the Spanish population.

Studies have shown that COVID-19 has had a worldwide psychological impact. Confinement due to COVID-19 has had important repercussions on the mental health of the general population, with high levels of stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder, and so forth. Similarly, important labor, economic and social changes taking place are affecting people's well-being. The objective of this study was to analyze the repercussions of perceived threat from COVID-19 on the mental health of the population, and to evaluate the mediating role of perceived economic impact. The participants were 1160 adult residents of Spain aged 18 to 82, 69.9% of whom were women. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Questionnaire on Perception of Threat from COVID-19 and the General Health Questionnaire were administered. Perceived threat had a positive direct effect on all four health dimensions analyzed. Among the indirect effects, the perceived economic impact of COVID-19 mediated in the relationship between perceived threat and each of the health dimensions. The results of this study have demonstrated the need to promote joint action promoting public mental health to minimize the psychological repercussions of new outbreaks.

Safety and immediate humoral response of COVID-19 vaccines in chronic kidney disease patients: the SENCOVAC study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at high-risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The multicentric, observational and prospective SENCOVAC study aims to describe the humoral response and safety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in CKD patients. Safety and immediate humoral response results are reported here. METHODS: Four cohorts of patients were included: kidney transplant (KT) recipients, and haemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and non-dialysis CKD patients from 50 Spanish centres. Adverse events after vaccine doses were recorded. At baseline and on Day 28 after the last vaccine dose, anti-Spike antibodies were measured and compared between cohorts. Factors associated with development of anti-Spike antibodies were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 1746 participants were recruited: 1116 HD, 171 PD, 176 non-dialysis CKD patients and 283 KT recipients. Most patients (98%) received mRNA vaccines. At least one vaccine reaction developed after the first dose in 763 (53.5%) and after the second dose in 741 (54.5%) of patients. Anti-Spike antibodies were measured in the first 301 patients. At 28 days, 95% of patients had developed antibodies: 79% of KT, 98% of HD, 99% of PD and 100% of non-dialysis CKD patients (P < 0.001). In a multivariate adjusted analysis, absence of an antibody response was independently associated with KT (odds ratio 20.56, P = 0.001) and with BNT162b2 vaccine (odds ratio 6.03, P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: The rate of anti-Spike antibody development after vaccination in KT patients was low but in other CKD patients it approached 100%, suggesting that KT patients require persistent isolation measures and booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Potential differences between COVID-19 vaccines should be explored in prospective controlled studies.

Prevalence, attitude, knowledge, and risk perception towards COVID-19 in COPD patients associated to biomass exposure.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients due to biomass exposure (BE-COPD) could be more affected than COPD due to tobacco smoke (TE-COPD) by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 in BE-COPD and TE-COPD and if housing conditions, poor attitude, knowledge, and risk perception towards COVID-19, particularly in BE-COPD women, could represent a risk factor for contagion.An 11% prevalence of COVID-19 was found with no significant difference between COPD groups. The BE-COPD group showed poorer socioeconomic status. No significant differences were found to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection regarding housing conditions, poor knowledge, attitude, and risk perception towards COVID-19. Living in urban areas and perceiving risk in COVID-19 were significantly associated with increased adherence to sanitary measures and concern of contagion. Around 40% of all patients showed poor risk perception and adherence to sanitary measures towards COVID-19.

Psychological distress, employment, and family functioning during the COVID-19 outbreak among recent immigrant families in Israel: Moderating roles of COVID-19 prevalence.

Grounded in an ecodevelopment perspective, in the current study we examined unique and moderating effects of daily COVID-19 prevalence (social contexts) on effects of COVID-19 related risk and protective factors such as emotional distress (individual contexts) and employment (working from home and unemployment status; family contexts) on family functioning among 160 recent immigrant families in Israel. In general, results indicate several unique effects of COVID-19 related factors (such as COVID-19 emotional distress, unemployment, and remote work arrangements) on both parents' and adolescents' reports of family functioning. However, results indicated that there were more significant associations between COVID-19 factors (e.g., emotional distress and COVID-19 prevalence) and family functioning indicators with adolescents, than with parents. The effects of COVID-19 factors (e.g., emotional distress and remote work arrangements) were moderated by daily COVID-19 prevalence (new cases and deaths). We discuss ways in which interventionists can contribute to pandemic-related research to promote optimal family functioning among immigrant families.

Air quality in Mexico City during the COVID-19 lockdown possibly decreased COPD exacerbations.

The reduction of air pollution during the #COVID19 lockdown in Mexico City possibly reduced the exacerbation rate in #COPD patients due to biomass and tobacco despite that the self-isolation was not as strict as expected. https://bit.ly/3Iyv98t.

Nanoparticles and essential oils with antiviral activity on packaging and surfaces: An overview of their selection and application

Until recently, food packaging has been used as a barrier to unfavorable environmental and microbial conditions, but new technologies are arising aimed at upgrading the protective nature of these materials. Cases of bacterial and viral transmission through food and surfaces have shown the vulnerabilities of the food packaging distribution systems over the years, creating awareness about new methods to prevent the proliferation of pathogens. This has been highlighted by safety concerns due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This work reviews the state‐of‐the‐art biobased technologies tailored for antiviral applications on surfaces, focusing on packaging materials. A survey and selection tool of essential oils (EOs) and nanoparticles that have been proven effective in reducing the proliferation or transmission of viruses through surfaces is presented. Additionally, the use of essential oil formulations or nanoparticle‐functionalized biobased materials that can be deployed to prevent virus transmission through food produce and surfaces is reviewed, including environmental and safety concerns around the use of metal nanoparticles and EOs in packaging materials. Finally, an assessment of the available technologies, challenges, opportunities and the potential role of biobased antiviral surfaces in future viral outbreaks is presented. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Surfactants & Detergents is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Experiences of suffering among nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive qualitative study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Healthcare professionals have played a fundamental role in managing and controlling the COVID-19 health crisis. They are exposed to high levels of suffering, trauma, uncertainty, and powerlessness in the workplace. The objective of this study was to explore and understand experiences of suffering among primary care and hospital care nurses during the COVID-19 health crisis. DESIGN: This is a descriptive qualitative study. Between March and April 2021, 19 in-depth interviews were carried out with nurses at health and social care facilities and hospitals in southern Spain. ATLAS.ti 9.0 software was used for discourse analysis. RESULTS: Nurses reported that they had experienced suffering during their work in the pandemic. The main causes suggested were direct contact with patients' suffering and organisational difficulties. The repercussions are in emotional dimension and physical deterioration and social isolation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Given the circumstances, programmes to promote healthy, compassion-based behaviours and changes to the way in which professionals' suffering is handled must be implemented by healthcare facility managers. Nursing leaders should consider the management of suffering as a matter of the first order, both from the ethical point of view and the business profitability and make compassionate leadership.

Mental Health in Settings with COVID-19 Positive Cases in the Spanish Population: The Protective Role of the Capacity to Adapt to Change.

BACKGROUND: The capacity to adapt to change in complex, highly demanding situations, such as those derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential in maintaining one's mental health. This study analyzed the mental health of the Spanish population in settings with COVID-19 positive cases and the protective role of adaptation to change. METHODS: The sample consisted of 1160 adult Spaniards aged 18 to 82 with a mean age of 38.29 (SD = 13.71). Data were collected by a CAWI (Computer Aided Web Interviewing) survey which included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Adaptation to Change Questionnaire (ADAPTA-10), and an ad hoc questionnaire related to COVID-19 (perceived economic impact, COVID-19 positive diagnosis or not, and whether there was a positive case close to them). RESULTS: The data revealed that the perceived economic impact showed a negative association between the emotional factor and the total score in adaptation to change. Lastly, the emotional factor in adaptation to change operated as a protector from the effect that a setting with COVID-19 positive cases exerts on mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Coping with COVID-19 requires strengthening the capacity for adaptation to changes generated in the setting, especially emotional, as it could contribute to improving the mental health of individuals, especially in those settings where they find and know a COVID-19 positive case.

Adverse events reported after administration of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines among hospital workers: a cross-sectional survey-based study in a Spanish hospital.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020. The first vaccine became available in December, with practically no post-marketing data. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in a third-level hospital in Spain between March and April 2021 to describe the difference in adverse events with the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines. The participants were hospital workers who completed a survey voluntarily at least 14 days after the last vaccine. The STROBE checklist was followed. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and forty-nine respondents completed the survey; 48% (599) received mRNA-1273 and 52% (650) BNT162b2. Fourteen thousand four hundred and two adverse reactions were recorded, 6896 local (3939 with mRNA-1273 and 2957 with BNT162b2 (6.6 vs 4.4 reactions per patient)) and 7506 systemic (4460 with mRNA-1273 and 3046 with BNT162b2 (7.4 vs 4.7 per patient)). Local reactions were more frequent after the first dose, while systemic reactions were higher after the second, for both vaccines and in a higher percentage with mRNA-1273 compared to BNT162b2 (p-value<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Licensed mRNA vaccines were highly safe when administered under post-marketing conditions among working-age adults. The main adverse events were mild, although they occurred in most patients, especially after the mRNA-1273 vaccine.

Questionnaire on Perception of Threat from COVID-19.

The ravages caused by the disease known as COVID-19 has led to a worldwide healthcare and social emergency requiring an effective combined effort from everyone to reduce contagion. Under these circumstances, the perception of the disease is going to have a relevant role in the individual's psychological adjustment. However, at the present time there is no validated instrument for evaluating adult perception of threat from COVID-19. Considering the importance of perception or representation of the disease in a state of social alert, our study intended to validate an instrument measuring the psychological process of the disease caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). In view of the above, this study evaluated the factor structure and reliability of the version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ) for COVID-19 in a sample of adults. The sample consisted of 1014 Spanish adults (67.2% women and 32.8% men). The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a unidimensional model of the scale, which was the one that showed the best fit and explained 43.87% of the variance. This brief version has adequate psychometric properties and may be used to evaluate the perception of threat from COVID-19 in an adult Spanish population. The validation of this instrument contributes to progress in representation of COVID-19 in our culture.

Mood and Affective Balance of Spaniards Confined by COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the mood and affective balance of Spaniards in quarantine and determine the predictive role of sociodemographic variables and mood on the negative affective balance. This cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 1014 Spanish adults, 67.2% were women and 32.8% men. The age ranged from 17 to 76. The instruments used were the Mood Assessment Scale and the Affective Balance Scale, which were implemented as a CAWI survey (Computer Aided Web Interviewing). Results showed that age correlated negatively with Sadness-Depression, Anxiety, and Happiness. Women had more Sadness-Depression, Anxiety, and negative affect, while men showed more Happiness and higher positive affect. Thus, the risk of a negative affective balance during confinement was greater for women and those who showed an emotional state marked by sadness-depression and anxiety, while older age and higher scores in happiness were associated with lower risk. In conclusion, knowing which groups are at risk of emotional and affective alteration can facilitate the detection and prevention of later disorders, such as severe stress and posttraumatic stress disorder, avoiding their generalized presence, and becoming a new public health problem derived from COVID-19.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el estado de ánimo y el balance afectivo de los españoles en cuarentena y determinar el papel predictivo de las variables sociodemográficas y de los estados anímicos, sobre el balance afectivo negativo. Se trata de un estudio transversal, con una muestra de 1014 adultos españoles, siendo el 67.2% mujeres y el 32.8% restante, hombres. El rango de edad estuvo entre 18 y 76 años. Los instrumentos empleados fueron la Escala de Evaluación del Estado de Ánimo y la Escala de Equilibrio Afectivo, empleando para su implementación una encuesta CAWI (Computer Aided Web Interviewing). Los resultados mostraron que la edad correlaciona negativamente con la Tristeza-Depresión, la Ansiedad y Alegría. Las mujeres presentan mayor nivel de Tristeza-Depresión, Ansiedad y afecto negativo, mientras que los hombres presentan más Alegría y mayor nivel de afecto positivo. Por lo tanto, el riesgo de presentar un balance afectivo negativo durante el confinamiento es mayor entre mujeres y entre quienes manifiestan un estado emocional marcado por la tristeza-depresión y la ansiedad, mientras que tener mayor edad y mostrar puntuaciones elevadas en alegría se asocia con menor riesgo. En conclusión, conocer los grupos de riesgo en alteraciones emocionales y afectivas puede facilitar la detección y prevención de trastornos posteriores, como estrés agudo y trastorno de estrés postraumático, evitando la presencia generalizada, y que esto se convierta en un nuevo problema de Salud Pública derivado del COVID-19.

Design and Validation of the Adaptation to Change Questionnaire: New Realities in Times of COVID-19.

Emotional and cognitive-behavioral factors influence people's adaptability to change. Based on this premise, the objective of this study was to develop, evaluate and validate the Adaptation to Change Questionnaire (ADAPTA-10) for identifying those who show poor adaptability to adverse situations, such as those caused by COVID-19. This study was carried out in a sample of 1160 adults and produced a 10-item instrument with good reliability and validity indices. It is an effective tool useful in research and in clinical practice. Calculation tables are provided for the general Spanish population and by sex to evaluate adaptability to change. The two-dimensional structure proposed in the original model was confirmed. This instrument will enable the needs for adaptation to the new reality associated with COVID-19 to be detected and also other situations in which the subject becomes immersed which demand adaptation strategies in the new situation lived in.