Comparison of clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in pregnant women between the Delta and Omicron variants of concern predominant periods

Background: Information regarding effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant strains on clinical manifestations and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnant women is limited. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using the data from the nationwide COVID-19 registry in Japan. We identified pregnant patients with symptomatic COVID-19 hospitalized during the study period. The Delta and Omicron variants of concern (VOC) predominant periods were defined as August 1 to December 31, 2021 and January 1 to May 31, 2022, respectively. Clinical characteristics were compared between the patients in the Delta and Omicron VOC periods. In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for developing moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Results: During the study period, 310 symptomatic COVID-19 cases of pregnant women were identified;111 and 199 patients were hospitalized during the Delta and Omicron VOC periods, respectively. Runny nose and sore throat were more common, and fatigue, dysgeusia, and olfactory dysfunction were less common manifestations observed in the Omicron VOC period. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, onset during the later stage of pregnancy (OR: 2.08 [1.24–3.71]) and onset during the Delta VOC period (OR: 2.25 [1.08–4.90]) were independently associated with moderate-to-severe COVID-19, whereas two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were protective against developing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 (OR: 0.34 [0.13–0.84]). Conclusions: Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in pregnant women differed between the Delta and Omicron VOC periods. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was still effective in preventing severe COVID-19 throughout the Delta and Omicron VOC periods. © 2022 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases

Comparison of clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in pregnant women between the Delta and omicron variants of concern predominant periods

Background: Information regarding effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant strains on clinical manifestations and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnant women is limited. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using the data from the nationwide COVID-19 registry in Japan. We identified pregnant patients with symptomatic COVID-19 hospitalized during the study period. The Delta and Omicron variants of concern (VOC) predominant periods were defined as August 1 to December 31, 2021 and January 1 to May 31, 2022, respectively. Clinical characteristics were compared between the patients in the Delta and Omicron VOC periods. In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for developing moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Results: During the study period, 310 symptomatic COVID-19 cases of pregnant women were identified;111 and 199 patients were hospitalized during the Delta and Omicron VOC periods, respectively. Runny nose and sore throat were more common, and fatigue, dysgeusia, and olfactory dysfunction were less common manifestations observed in the Omicron VOC period. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, onset during the later stage of pregnancy (OR: 2.08 [1.24-3.71]) and onset during the Delta VOC period (OR: 2.25 [1.08-4.90]) were independently associated with moderate-to-severe COVID-19, whereas two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were protective against developing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 (OR: 0.34 [0.13-0.84]). Conclusions: Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in pregnant women differed between the Delta and Omicron VOC periods. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was still effective in preventing severe COVID-19 throughout the Delta and Omicron VOC periods.

Safety of and antibody response to the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents and young adults with underlying disease

Background: Data are limited regarding the safety of and antibody response to the BNT162b2 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine in adolescents and young adults with underlying disease. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled patients age 12–25 years with chronic underlying disease who received 2 doses of BNT162b2. A 18-item questionnaire was used to assess adverse events within 7 days post-vaccination, and data regarding severe adverse events were collected from electronic medical records. An antibody titer for the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein in SARS-CoV-2 was used to assess antibody response after the second vaccine dose. Results: Study participants were 429 patients (241 [56.2%] age 12–15 years;188 [43.8%] age 16–25 years). The most common underlying diseases were genetic or chromosomal abnormalities and/or congenital anomalies, followed by endocrine or metabolic diseases;32% of participants were immunocompromised. Severe adverse events were observed after the second dose in 1 (0.4%) patient age 12–15 years and in 2 (1.1%) patients age 16–25 years;all patients recovered. Seropositivity after the second vaccine dose was 99.0%. The geometric mean antibody titer was higher in patients age 12–15 years versus 16–25 years (1603.3 [1321.8–1944.7] U/mL vs. 949.4 [744.2–1211.0] U/mL). Compared with immunocompetent patients, immunocompromised patients had a lower antibody titer (2106.8 [1917.5–2314.7] U/mL vs. 467.9 [324.4–674.8] U/mL). Conclusions: Vaccination with BNT162b2 was acceptably safe and immunogenic for adolescents and young adults with underlying disease. © 2022 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases

Present conditions and challenges of fertilizer application by vegetable farmers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Vegetable production in urban and peri-urban areas is one of the most important sources of food supply and provides job opportunities in the value chain. The high annual population growth rate in the urban and peri-urban areas has led to increasing demand for not only staple food crops but also vegetables, especially in developing countries. Optimizing fertilizer application is one of the most effective ways to enhance productivity. This paper presents the results of an interview survey of 69 vegetable farmers focused on fertilizer application in three areas in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The structured interview was conducted by agricultural extension officers from August to October 2021 after the preliminary survey. The results show that farmers cultivate two to seven different crops, with the help of either family members or both family members and employed workers – primarily women, who live in the same or neighbouring village. The farmers apply fertilizers to 64.7% of the cultivars based on their experience and observation of vegetable growth. In terms of purchasing fertilizers, 78.3% of farmers face challenges such as high cost and inaccessibility, especially at the beginning of the rainy season. One plausible reason behind high costs is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the distribution system in the country. © 2022 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved.

Safety of and antibody response to the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents and young adults with underlying disease

BACKGROUND: Data are limited regarding the safety of and antibody response to the BNT162b2 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine in adolescents and young adults with underlying disease. METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled patients age 12-25 years with chronic underlying disease who received 2 doses of BNT162b2. A 19-item questionnaire was used to assess adverse events within 7 days post-vaccination, and data regarding severe adverse events were collected from electronic medical records. An antibody titer for the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein in SARS-CoV-2 was used to assess antibody response after the second vaccine dose. RESULTS: Study participants were 429 patients (241 [56%] age 12-15 years;188 [43.8%] age 16-25 years). The most common underlying diseases were genetic or chromosomal abnormalities and/or congenital anomalies, followed by endocrine or metabolic diseases;33% of participants were immunocompromised. Severe adverse events were observed after the second dose in 1 (0.4%) patient age 12-15 years and in 2 (1.1%) patients age 16-25 years;all patients recovered. Seropositivity after the second vaccine dose was 99.0%. The geometric mean antibody titer was higher in patients age 12-15 years versus 16-25 years (1603.3 [1321.8-1944.7] U/mL vs. 949.4 [744.2-1211.0] U/mL). Compared with immunocompetent patients, immunocompromised patients had a lower antibody titer (2106.8 [1917.5-2314.7] U/mL vs. 467.9 [324.4-674.8] U/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination with BNT162b2 was acceptably safe and immunogenic for adolescents and young adults with underlying disease.

Comparison of clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in pregnant women between the Delta and Omicron variants of concern predominant periods

BACKGROUND: Information regarding effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant strains on clinical manifestations and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnant women is limited. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using the data from the nationwide COVID-19 registry in Japan. We identified pregnant patients with symptomatic COVID-19 hospitalized during the study period. The Delta and Omicron variants of concern (VOC) predominant periods were defined as August 1 to December 31, 2021 and January 1 to May 31, 2022, respectively. Clinical characteristics were compared between the patients in the Delta and Omicron VOC periods. In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for developing moderate-to-severe COVID-19. RESULTS: During the study period, 310 symptomatic COVID-19 cases of pregnant women were identified;111 and 199 patients were hospitalized during the Delta and Omicron VOC periods, respectively. Runny nose and sore throat were more common, and fever, fatigue, dysgeusia, and olfactory dysfunction were less common manifestations observed in the Omicron VOC period. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, onset during the later stage of pregnancy (OR: 2.08 [1.24-3.71]) and onset during the Delta VOC period (OR: 2.25 [1.08-4.90]) were independently associated with moderate-to-severe COVID-19, whereas two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were protective against developing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 (OR: 0.34 [0.13-0.84]). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in pregnant women differed between the Delta and Omicron VOC periods. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was still effective in preventing severe COVID-19 throughout the Delta and Omicron VOC periods.

Factors Associated with Increased Caregiver Burden of Informal Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan.

This study's objective was to explore the association between various factors and the increased caregiver burden of informal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. On February, 2021, 700 informal caregivers completed an online survey. We assessed the change in caregiver burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among all caregiver participants, 287 (41.0%) complained of an increased caregiver burden due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The factors associated with increased caregiver burden were depressive symptoms in caregivers [odds ratio (OR), 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50-3.23], dementia (OR, 2.48; 95%CI, 1.07-5.73) and low Barthel Index scores (OR, 2.01; 95%CI, 1.39-2.90) in care receivers, care days (OR, 1.09; 95%CI, 1.01-1.17) and times (OR, 1.06; 95%CI, 1.01-1.10), and use of home care service (OR, 1.46; 95%CI, 1.01-2.10) and visiting care service (OR, 1.71; 95%CI, 1.20-2.45). These findings suggest we need to pay attention to the physical and mental health of both the care receivers and caregivers.

Factors Associated with Increased Caregiver Burden of Informal Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

This study’s objective was to explore the association between various factors and the increased caregiver burden of informal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. On February, 2021, 700 informal caregivers completed an online survey. We assessed the change in caregiver burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among all caregiver participants, 287 (41.0%) complained of an increased caregiver burden due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The factors associated with increased caregiver burden were depressive symptoms in caregivers [odds ratio (OR), 2.20;95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50–3.23], dementia (OR, 2.48;95%CI, 1.07–5.73) and low Barthel Index scores (OR, 2.01;95%CI, 1.39–2.90) in care receivers, care days (OR, 1.09;95%CI, 1.01–1.17) and times (OR, 1.06;95%CI, 1.01–1.10), and use of home care service (OR, 1.46;95%CI, 1.01–2.10) and visiting care service (OR, 1.71;95%CI, 1.20–2.45). These findings suggest we need to pay attention to the physical and mental health of both the care receivers and caregivers.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and New Incidence of Frailty among Initially Non-Frail Older Adults in Japan: A Follow-Up Online Survey.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity (PA) and the incidence of frailty among initially non-frail older adults in Japan. DESIGN: A follow-up online survey. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Among the 1,600 baseline online survey participants, 388 adults were already frail, and 275 older adults did not respond to the follow-up survey. Thus, the final number of participants in this study was 937 (follow-up rate: 77.3%). METHODS: We assessed the total PA time at four time points according to the COVID-19 waves in Japan: January 2020 (before the pandemic), April 2020 (during the first wave), August 2020 (during the second wave), and January 2021 (during the third wave). We then investigated the incidence of frailty during a one-year follow-up period (during the pandemic). RESULTS: The total PA time during the first, second, and third waves of the pandemic decreased from the pre-pandemic PA time by 33.3%, 28.3%, and 40.0%, respectively. In particular, the total PA time of older adults who were living alone and socially inactive decreased significantly: 42.9% (first wave), 50.0% (second wave), and 61.9% (third wave) less than before the pandemic, respectively. Additionally, they were at a significantly higher risk of incident frailty than those who were not living alone and were socially active (adjusted odds ratio: 2.04 [95% confidence interval: 1.01-4.10]). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that older adults who live alone and are socially inactive are more likely to experience incident frailty/disability due to decreased PA during the pandemic. Understanding this mechanism may be crucial for maintaining the health status of older adults.

The long-quarantined case of COVID-19 with prolonged viral shedding and intermittent fever for more than 70 days

A 79-year old Japanese woman was diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), based on a positive reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) test result. Chest computed tomography revealed mild interstitial pneumonia. She had intermittent persistent inflammatory reactions with fever. Laboratory findings and RT-PCR test results showed SARS-CoV-2 positivity for more than 70 days. To the best of our knowledge, this relatively mild case has the longest duration of viral shedding recorded, as confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. This case demonstrates that the viral shedding in COVID-19 can be prolonged, even in mild disease, and highlights the difficulties in distinguishing viral shedding from SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.

Effect of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate changes in physical activity (PA) between January (before the COVID-19 epidemic) and April (during the COVID-19 epidemic) 2020 in community-dwelling older adults in Japan. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: From April 23 to 27, 2020, an online survey was completed by 1,600 community-dwelling older adults in Japan. METHODS: We assessed the frailty status using the Kihon checklist, and other demographics and asked questions regarding PA at two time points: January and April 2020. We defined the total PA time (minutes) per week based on activity frequency and time. RESULTS: The study participants' mean age, proportion of women, and prevalence of frailty were 74.0±5.6 years, 50% (n=800), and 24.3% (n=388), respectively. We found a significant decrease in total PA time in April 2020 (median [interquartile range (IQR)], 180 [0 to 420]) when compared to January 2020 (median [IQR], 245 [90 to 480]) (P<0.001). We also performed a subgroup analysis according to the frailty category; total PA time significantly decreased in April 2020 when compared to January 2020 for all frailty categories (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the total PA time in April 2020 significantly decreased compared to that in January 2020 in older adults. This finding may lead to a higher incidence of disability in the near future in older people.