Comparison of immunogenicity for Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine vs. natural infection during cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines in cancer patients, especially during their active treatment, are lacking. Most of the studies in the literature compared the immunity in cancer patients with a cross-sectional cohort or retrospectively. Our study investigated Sinovac-CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity and compared it with natural COVID-19 disease in cancer patients during their cancer therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 111 patients with cancer and who are on active treatment were included in the study. This is a single-center study and was designed prospectively. Two group of patients were included in the study, natural disease and vaccinated group. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients were included in the study, 34 of whom had natural COVID-19 disease. Antibody levels following the first dose vaccine were 0.4 (0-1.9) U/ml while after the second dose of vaccine were 2.6 (1.0-7.25) U/ml. Immunogenicity levels were 82.4% in the natural disease group and 75.8% in the vaccinated group after the second shot of the vaccine. Immunogenicity rate was significantly higher in non-chemotherapy (receiving immunotehrapy/targeted therapy or biologic agent) group compared to chemotherapy drug (92.9% vs. 63.3%, p=0.004). There was a difference between the antibody levels following the first and second vaccination [median (IQR): 0.3 (0-1.0) and 3.3 (2.0-6.7), p=0.001, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine showed an acceptable immunogenicity following two shots in cancer patients who were receiving active systemic therapy. On the other hand, natural disease immunogenicity was higher than vaccinated group.

Examining multiple mediation of authenticity in the relationship between cultural motivation pattern and satisfaction: a case study of Şirince in Turkey

Purpose: This study aims to assess the relationships between cultural travel motivation, two dimensions of authenticity and satisfaction of domestic tourists visiting Sirince in Turkey. Given the structure of the model, authenticity is two latent variables, indirectly affecting satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: The research takes a predictive and explanatory approach rather than theory confirmation. Partial least squares (PLS) algorithm was used to assess the multiple mediation. The data were collected from 391 domestic visitors through a self-administered questionnaire. Findings: The research highlights that two dimensions of authenticity have a statistically mediating influences on the relationship between cultural travel motivation and satisfaction. Furthermore, while cultural travel motivation is the most important predictor of satisfaction, object-based authenticity has emerged as an antecedent variable that deserves to be given the highest importance. Finally, first time visitors and repeaters did not differ across all relationships in the model. Research limitations/implications: The fact that the data were collected only from Sirince can be considered as geographical limitations of the study. Another limitation is that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the data were obtained only from domestic tourists visiting Sirince. Practical implications: The study on the multiple mediating roles of authenticity in the relationship between motivation factor alongside satisfaction revealed a variety of application opportunities, particularly for destinations attempting to position themselves as authentic. Accordingly, authenticity concept gains significance in tourism industry more often because unique experiences at the visited destinations can satisfy the individuals in search of their self-identity. Social implications: Furthermore, transformation of authentic places into tourism destinations develops cultural values in line with expectations of tourists. However, this transforms domestic cultural factors into commercial products by eroding their significance in the eye of local residents. This invites artificiality by drifting apart from originality of cultural elements. Each element serves as part of authenticity is indeed away from authentic experience even though it is regarded as an authentic experience from tourists' perspective because it diverts from its reality. Establishing balance between tourists' travel motivations and their expectation from authentic destination is substantially important to satisfy their sensational and sentimental expectations. In addition to the ones mentioned above, managers should take an active role in promotion and focus on sponsorship activities to highlight the authenticity of Sirince;begin reconstruction works by considering the original architecture specific to the region;and pay attention to the compatibility of the new architectural texture with the destination character. As stated in the study of Genc and Gulertekin Genc (2021), special attention should be paid to the harmony between the architectural texture and the destination feature. Finally, considering that authenticity has a mediating role between cultural travel motivation and satisfaction, authentic values should be highlighted in promotional videos. Originality/value: There has been very little research into the role of the dimensions of authenticity in mediating the relationship between cultural motivation and satisfaction. Unlike previous studies on authenticity and tourism, this research attempted to examine the relationship between cultural travel motivation and satisfaction by involving two dimensions of authenticity into the model. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Extraordinary days, unusual circumstances: psychosocial effects of working with COVID-19 patients on healthcare professionals

Objectives: We asked healthcare professionals (HCPs) to describe the psychosocial effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on them. We also aimed to raise awareness about the possible problems may have been encountered by the HCPs during the pandemic. Methodology: This qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. A phenomenological approach used to collect data. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit participants. We interviewed twelve HCP s. Topics included their first experience with a COVID-19 case, changes in the work environment, working with personal protective equipment (PPE), changes in private life, and the challenges encountered. Data gathering and data analysis were carried out concurrently. We used the classical content analysis method for data analysis. Results: Four main categories emerged from the content analysis. The first was “Responsibility”. Healthcare professionals felt responsible towards both the patients and healthy people and some experiences made them feel helpless. They expressed a wide range of feelings about their professions. The second category was “Fatigue”. Participants explained that they experienced intense fear initially and were very overwhelmed. All participants thought that people were insensitive to follow measurements. The third category was “Relief”. Before the outbreak reached Turkey, medical staff could not predict what was coming. Over time they got used to this new situation, and normalize their lives. The fourth category was “Experience”. Participants told about what they learned during the pandemic and made some suggestions. Conclusion: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, some experiences can be demotivating and disappointing for healthcare professionals. Managers and supervisors should listen to their requests, and hearing positive feedback from authorities may increase their motivation. All kinds of psychosocial support should be provided for healthcare workers, and their mental well-being should be cared as well as their physical health. © 2021 Faculty of Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, AFMS. All rights reserved.