Labouring the news: Management control strategies and work intensification in the digital newsroom

Using a labour process lens, this research focuses on the structured antagonism that characterises the employment relationship. This article seeks to further our understanding of how news organisations employ control strategies to extract the labour power of journalists and achieve organisational objectives, and we pay particular attention to the role of editors in this regard. We also explore the responses of journalists as workers to managerial control which can include accommodation, resistance, compliance, or consent. The findings are based on an empirical case study of a local newspaper incorporating interviews with editors and journalists. The case study reveals how journalists' work intensified with the turn to digital content, and because of reduced staffing since COVID-19, but editors ensured high levels of productivity through distribution of digital analytics and constant monitoring.

A large outbreak of the Kappa mutation of COVID-19 in Cork, Ireland, April-May 2021.

BACKGROUND: In May 2021, the B.1.617 variant of SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Ireland, and both Delta and Kappa sub-lineages were initially deemed variants of concern (VOCs) on a precautionary basis. We describe a large outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.1 (Kappa mutation) linked to a private gathering among third level students in Cork, Ireland. METHODS: Surveillance data were available from the Health Service Executive COVID Care Tracker. The epidemiological sequence of infection for each new case in this outbreak was tracked and whole genome sequencing was requested on all linked cases. Enhanced public health control measures were implemented by the Department of Public Health HSE-South to contain onward spread of VOCs, including retrospective contact tracing, lengthy isolation and quarantine periods for cases and close contacts. Extensive surveillance efforts were used to describe and control onward transmission. RESULTS: There were 146 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases linked to the outbreak. All sequenced cases (53/146; 36%) confirmed Kappa mutation. The median age was 21 years (range 17-65). The majority (88%) had symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. There were 407 close contacts; the median was 3 per case (range 0-14). There were no known hospitalisations, ICU admissions or deaths. Vaccination data was unavailable, but the outbreak pre-dated routine availability of COVID-19 vaccines among younger adults in Ireland. CONCLUSION: Enhanced public health control measures for new and emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 may be burdensome for cases and close contacts. The overall public health benefit of enhanced controls may only become apparent when evidence on disease transmissibility and severity becomes more complete.

18 months on: an interrupted time series analysis investigating the effect of COVID-19 on chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing and test positivity at the Gold Coast, Australia.

BACKGROUND: STI rates have been reported as reduced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study evaluates the number of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections recorded relative to the number of tests performed in 2017-2021, thus accurately depicting trends over time and evaluate the effect of COVID-19 restrictions since these were implemented in March 2020. METHODS: Data was extracted from an electronic database of pathology and clinical records used at Gold Coast Sexual Health Service (GCSHS) in Queensland, Australia from January 2017 to October 2021. Poisson regression-based interrupted time series analyses were performed for number of tests performed and test positivity over the study period. The COVID-19 period was defined as starting from March 2020 when public health directives were implemented. RESULTS: CT and NG testing dropped significantly in the month after COVID-19 restrictions were brought in, by 30% and 23% respectively. Over the 5year study period, the proportion of positive CT tests has consistently decreased by approximately 0.33% points per year (P ≤0.001). The instigation of COVID-19 restrictions had no effect on this trend. The proportion of NG positive tests remained steady prior to COVID-19 (P =0.96) at approximately 3.5%, decreased immediately at the onset of COVID-19 restrictions to approximately 2.5% (P <0.001) and has remained at this level post-COVID restrictions (P =0.54). Testing at GCSHS continued to target gay and bisexual men, accounting for ≥50% of all tests performed. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that there has been a sustained reduction in test positivity of NG infections in the 18months since COVID-19 restrictions were implemented, and that this is not an artifact of reduced testing. It highlights the importance of maintaining health messaging including screening for sexually transmissible infections and maintaining access to services, which may include alternative models of care such as Telehealth, self-testing and collaboration between all sexual health service providers.

High flow nasal oxygen and continuous positive airway pressure therapy for COVID-19: an observational study of outcomes

Introduction: High flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy are recognised treatments for hypoxia which were widely used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Large scale studies such as RECOVERY-RS [1] compared HFNO and CPAP to conventional oxygen therapy in patients suitable for mechanical ventilation. TSDFT had capacity to offer ward based HFNO/CPAP to patients deemed both suitable and not suitable for mechanical ventilation. We set out to review the outcomes of all patients who received HFNO/ CPAP for COVID-19 pneumonitis at our trust. Methods: A retrospective observational study of all patients with COVID-19 Pneumonitis who received CPAP/HFNO was conducted at a district general hospital in South West England. Electronic records and ICD10 diagnostic codes were reviewed between September 2020 and October 2021. Results: 90 patients received HFNO or CPAP. The median age was 68 years. 50 (55%) survived to hospital discharge. Survival to hospital discharge was greater in females (71%) than males (42%). Survival decreased from 100% in the 21-30 years age group, to 33.3% in the > 70 years age group. On review of co-morbidities the overall survival rate was similar, except for patients with cardiac failure or valvular disease, of which only 4 of 19 patients survived (21%) All patients under 40 years survived to hospital discharge. There was no relationship between number of days of therapy and survival to discharge. Conclusions: Among this cohort, survival to hospital discharge after HFNO or CPAP for COVID-19 Pneumonitis was greater in younger patients, females and those without cardiovascular failure.

A qualitative study of older adults' experiences of embedding physical activitywithin their home care services

Background: Physical activity programmes have been shown to improve older adults' functional capacity, independence and quality of life. Research around structured exercise programmes has been completed in different groups of community-dwelling older people, however few studies have focused on the older population receiving formal home care. In a feasibility study, we embedded physical activity within older adults existing home care services through the 'Care to Move' (CTM) programme. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore older adults' experiences of the CTM programme. Methods: We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 13 older adults and one carer. Topics covered included participants overall experiences of the CTM programme, changes to their overall activity and participation, aspects of the programme that they liked or found valuable and issues that they found challenging. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed thematically to capture barriers and facilitators to programme delivery. Results: Four themes emerged: i) 'I'm feeling good about it', ii) 'safety and security is the name of the game', iii) 'we're a team as it stands', iv) 'it's [COVID] depressing for everybody at the moment'. Older adults identified benefits of CTM participation including improvements in physical and psychological wellbeing. However, frailty and multimorbidity influenced overall engagement. Participants expressed concerns around the logistics of programme delivery and competing healthcare assistant (HCA) interests. The broader role of HCA's in supporting the CTM programme was highlighted as well as the emotional support that HCAs provided to older adults. HCA continuity was identified as a barrier to ongoing programme engagement. The impact of COVID on older adults physical and mental health negatively impacted programme delivery. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that embedding the CTM programme within home support services is feasible. Restructuring of services, addressing HCA continuity, and adopting individual approaches to programme delivery may enhance the implementation of services.

COVID-19: the first 100 days in the south of Ireland

This study reviewed the epidemiology of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 notified in the department from 5 March-13 June 2020. The first case of COVID-19 in our region was notified on 05/03/2020;by 13/06/2020 a total of 1,842 confirmed cases had been notified, representing 7.3% of cases nationally for that period. Epidemiological curves (epi-curves) were constructed using 'epidemiological date' (epi-date) and 'notification date'. These epi-curves are more closely aligned from May 2020 onwards, which likely reflects expedited testing/reporting processes. Of note the HSE South 'epi-date' curve diverges downwards from the national pattern in late-March 2020, which is early in the overall evolution of the pandemic in Ireland. In our study 1,115 cases (60.5%) occurred through 'local transmission', 482 (26.2%) in a healthcare setting;471 (25%) occurred via 'community transmission';137 (7.4%) were imported. Contact tracing was conducted for >4000 'close contacts' of confirmed cases. One-hundred-and-twenty-eight outbreaks were recorded, with 1,259 outbreak-associated cases, occurring in various settings including;private house(56), nursing home (11), residential institution (21), hospital (9), workplace (8), community hospital/long-stay unit (6), unknown (0) and other (17). Outbreaks occurred most commonly in private houses (56, 43.8%). The highest number of outbreak-associated cases was related to workplace-based outbreaks (324, 25.7%).

DIAPHRAGMATIC CHOREA IN A PATIENT WITH HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE: A CASE REPORT

TOPIC: Pulmonary Physiology TYPE: Fellow Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Respiratory muscle weakness is known to occur in neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease (HD), and causes 25% of deaths in this population. Though diaphragmatic dystonia has been described in some neurodegenerative diseases, it has not been in HD. In general, little published data exists on overall respiratory function and diaphragmatic movement in HD. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 58-year-old male with HD, presenting with progressive dyspnea over 1 year and an accompanying choking sensation upon awakening. Cardiac evaluation with echocardiogram and dobutamine stress test revealed only left ventricular hypertrophy. Family history includes HD in his mother, diagnosed at autopsy age 72;an older brother with HD onset at 53 that died at 62;a maternal aunt with onset in her 50s that died in her 70s. His maternal grandmother and 2 other family members also had involuntary movements believed to be chorea. Most died from respiratory complications. Physical exam showed adequate air entry bilaterally, with clear breath sounds and decreased chest wall expansion. No abdominal paradox or diaphragm dysfunction was appreciated in supine or seated position. On walking oximetry, he became tachypneic and dyspneic after 2 minutes of walking, prompting him to stop. His saturation on room air did not drop below 96%. Heart rate increased to 110 beats per minute. Laboratory panel revealed hemoglobin 13.8 g/dl. A venous blood gas revealed pH 7.38 and pCO2 of 49.A dynamic digital chest radiography (DDR) was performed during two tidal breaths and a forced inspiratory and expiratory maneuver. This revealed decreased bilateral lung inflation. Diaphragmatic contours were elevated bilaterally with a mildly reduced excursion. During the breathing cycle multiple independent diaphragmatic contractions were appreciated on forced inspiration and exhalation resulting in paradoxical motion and dyssynchrony. There was exaggerated use of accessory muscles in the shoulder girdle as a compensatory mechanism. Spasms in the upper airway were also noted throughout the test. Because of covid restrictions, the patient is awaiting pulmonary function tests. DISCUSSION: DDR uniquely provides the opportunity to interrogate respiratory physiology and identify diaphragmatic abnormalities, such as coordination impairments and dyssynchrony compared to static chest radiography;with lower levels of radiation as used in video fluoroscopy. As previously described1, we suggest that the understanding of dyspnea in patients with neurologic disease is enhanced using DDR. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case of diaphragmatic chorea in a patient with HD using DDR. Future studies are needed to better understand this newly recognized phenomenon of diaphragmatic discoordination and its association with shortness of breath. REFERENCE #1: O'Sullivan M, Singh A, Prime D, Moore J, Zink S. A Whole New Chest X-Ray. ATS 2019 ePoster Viewing Site. Published May 2019. Accessed April 28, 2021. https://cslide-us.ctimeetingtech.com/ats2019_eposter/attendee/eposter/poster/6529 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Norma Braun, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Jose Concepcion, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Natasha Garg, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Mary O Sullivan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Valeria Santibanez, source=Web Response

O17.5 Blood borne viruses screening (BBVS) for temporarily housed rough sleepers in Brighton & Hove during the Covid-19 pandemic

BackgroundAt the start of the Coronavirus pandemic the UK Government pledged to house all rough-sleepers in temporary accommodation. This provided healthcare workers with a unique opportunity to access this ‘hard-to-find’ group, offer blood borne viruses screening (BBVS) and link clients testing positive into individualised treatment.ApproachA collaborative working group (HIV clinicians, HIV prevention specialists, hepatitis C outreach nurses and rough-sleepers health-engagement workers) established comprehensive risk-assessments, PPE supplies and dried blood spot procurement. Two experienced outreach workers worked along-side trusted homeless key-workers to offer BBVS (HIV, hepatitis B&C) in hotels, a hostel and student halls over 13-weeks (Jun-Sep 2020). Clients were offered £5 food-voucher for participating.Outcomes270 clients were housed during this time, 256 (95%) were offered BBVS;192 (72%) tested. 148 (77%) tested ‘mainly due to the incentive’. Of the 192 testers the median age (range) was 40y (18–69). Clients were mainly male 161 (83%);white-British 164 (85%) and heterosexual 179 (93%). 54 (28%) stated previous IVDU;39 (20%) other drug use and 92 (48%) prison as risk-factors. 70 (36%) had not previously tested. 31 (16%) were hepatitis C antibody positive;13 (7%) RNA positive. To date 4 have started treatment;5 deferred;3 did not engage with services despite being aware of the diagnosis;1 left the area. No new HIV diagnoses (two clients re-engaged with care). Most clients considered the service good or excellent, and would recommend (99%). Challenges included lab delays due to competing Covid-19 testing and engaging disenfranchised clients.Innovation and SignificanceThis project brought together a multidisciplinary collaboration, drawing on specialist knowledge to meet complex needs. Despite challenges during a pandemic, we obtained a useful snap-shot of BBV rates. Offering an incentive to a cohort sensitised to BBVS was important. New outreach testing opportunities were identified which will be progressed in 2021.

Children are safe in schools: a review of the Irish experience of reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: Schools in the Republic of Ireland reopened to students and staff in late August 2020. We sought to determine the test positivity rate of close contacts of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in schools during the first half-term of the 2020/2021 academic year. METHODS: National-level data from the schools' testing pathway were interrogated to determine the positivity rate of close contacts of cases of COVID-19 in Irish primary, postprimary and special schools during the first half-term of 2020/2021 academic year. The positivity rates among adult and child close contacts were compared and the proportion of national cases of COVID-19 who were aged 4-18 years during the observation period was calculated to assess whether this proportion increased after schools reopened. RESULTS: Of all, 15,533 adult and child close contacts were tested for COVID-19 through the schools' testing pathway during the first half-term of the 2020/2021 academic year. Three hundred and ninety-nine close contacts tested positive, indicating a positivity rate of 2.6% (95% confidence interval: 2.3-2.8%). The positivity rates of child and adult close contacts were similarly low (2.6% vs 2.7%, P = 0.7). The proportion of all national cases of COVID-19 who were aged 4-18 years did not increase during the first half-term of the 2020/2021 school year. CONCLUSIONS: The low positivity rate of close contacts of cases of COVID-19 in schools indicate that transmission of COVID-19 in Irish schools during the first half-term of the 2020/2021 academic year was low. These findings support policies to keep schools open during the pandemic.

Senolytics reduce coronavirus-related mortality in old mice.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the pronounced vulnerability of the elderly and chronically ill to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced morbidity and mortality. Cellular senescence contributes to inflammation, multiple chronic diseases, and age-related dysfunction, but effects on responses to viral infection are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that senescent cells (SnCs) become hyper-inflammatory in response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), including SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-1, increasing expression of viral entry proteins and reducing antiviral gene expression in non-SnCs through a paracrine mechanism. Old mice acutely infected with pathogens that included a SARS-CoV-2-related mouse ß-coronavirus experienced increased senescence and inflammation, with nearly 100% mortality. Targeting SnCs by using senolytic drugs before or after pathogen exposure significantly reduced mortality, cellular senescence, and inflammatory markers and increased antiviral antibodies. Thus, reducing the SnC burden in diseased or aged individuals should enhance resilience and reduce mortality after viral infection, including that of SARS-CoV-2.