ABSTRACT
Purpose: We report the immunogenicity and safety of a third BNT162b2 vaccine in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients (pSOTRs). Method(s): Samples from pSOTRs (12-18 years) enrolled in our multicenter, observational study (COVID-19 Antibody Testing of Recipients of Solid Organ Transplants and Patients with Chronic Diseases) who received a third vaccine (V3) were analyzed for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain, with a positive cutoff of >=0.8 and maximum titer of >2500 U/mL. Pre-V3 samples were 1-3 months after vaccine 2, and post-V3 were 1 month after vaccine 3. Result(s): Thirty-seven pSOTRs (46% heart, 24% liver, 27% kidney, 3% multi) received V3. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 15 (14-16) years;42% were male and 78% white. pSOTRs were median (IQR) 9 (6-13) years from transplant. Four (11%) patients had prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antibody titers were positive in 26/37 (70%) patients pre-V3 and 32/37 (86%) post-V3 (Figure). Median (IQR) antibody titers were higher post-V3 (2500 [1581-2500] U/mL) than pre-V3 (211 [0.8-2500] U/mL) in paired analysis (p<0.001). 6/11 (55%) pSOTRs with negative pre-V3 titers seroconverted, with a post-V3 median (IQR) titer of 418 (132-1581) U/ mL. Transplant within 3 years was associated with negative post-V3 titer (p=0.037). Main side effects after V3 were pain (71%) and fatigue (50%). No patients reported allergic reaction, myocarditis, or rejection. One patient tested positive for SARSCoV- 2 between vaccines 2 and 3, with negative pre- and post-V3 titers. At time of first vaccine, this patient was transplanted a year ago, treated for rejection recently, and taking 3 immunosuppression agents including an antimetabolite. Conclusion(s): In this limited cohort, 86% of pSOTRs had a positive antibody response after three SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with no adverse events. Importantly, 55% of pSOTRs with prior negative response seroconverted post-V3, and 100% of pSOTRs with positive response increased their antibody titer or remained at maximum titer. Our preliminary results suggest the benefit of a third vaccine for adolescent pSOTRs based on antibody response;larger studies are needed to assess vaccine effectiveness.
ABSTRACT
Digital technology systems are adopted rapidly throughout the globe for the virtual learning process especially with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Digital screen-based gadgets are integrated to provide a seamless interactive medium of learning even before the initiation of formal education. Studies on the technology use of younger children are critical as uncontrolled gadget use affects their developmental stages yet these studies are still in the infancy stage. This study analyses the impact of extended use of digital gadgets and mobile dependency on early childhood manifested through their cognition, socialization and behaviour. This descriptive study is based on the random responses of 511 parents about their young children of 3-6 years distributed at five civil districts of Kerala State. From the analysis, it is found that the extended use of digital gadgets influenced young children’s mobile dependency, socialization process, cognition and behaviour patterns. The young children exhibited alienation tendencies and behavioural deviations which are correlated to their screen time. Both male and female reported similar results. Significant differences were observed by the parents with respect to the age of the children and their parental characteristics. Their mobile dependency mediated their extended digital Screen Time to the Behaviour. Significant relation was predicted by extended Screen Time on Behaviour of the students with a partial sequential path through mobile Dependency, Cognition and Socialization. The study sheds light on the urgency of parental care and implementation of a balanced gadget usage system to reduce the detrimental impacts of gadget usage. © 2022 Research Group Education and Virtual Learning (GREAV). All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
In this note, I argue for an economics education which incorporates the ideas of embeddedness, interdependence, and necessaries, all visible in the works of the classical political economists. These ideas are often found in non-mainstream courses such as history of economic thought and political economy but are absent in mainstream microeconomics and macroeconomics. Subsequently, the need for pluralism in economic theory and methods is advocated, all the while keeping the socioeconomic surroundings of the learner at the centre of educational planning and practice. Copyright © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The global pandemic resulting from the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused significant limitations in the public’s access to routine dental and medical care. Objective: To audit the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the utilization of dental services. Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology in collaboration with the Public Health Dentistry Department, Christian Dental College and Hospital Ludhiana. The hospital records of the 972 patients who visited the hospital OPD during the lockdown were analyzed. Results: Men sought emergency treatment more frequently (54.8%) compared to women (45.2%). Approximately 63% of the patients reported had endodontic emergencies like pulpitis, symptomatic alveolar abscess, symptomatic apical periodontitis and failed root canal treatments. The oral surgery department received a patient turnout of around 20% with emergencies like pain is grossly decayed teeth, impacted teeth, road traffic accident cases, dental fracture, neuralgias, tumour and MPDS patients. Prosthetic visits were around about 8%. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic decreased the utilization of non-urgent dental services significantly. This subsequently can negatively impact the dental health of the general public. An immediate decrease in dental service utilization is also anticipated due to the financial downturn in the COVID-19 pandemic. © IJCRR.