Experiences of delivering virtual therapy groups for children with osteogenesis imperfecta during the Covid-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of a virtual group therapy programme for children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) who were unable to access face to face therapy due to a global pandemic. In a regional OI service up to 3 face to face 6-week therapy groups are offered for children during summer school holidays. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, OI children were at risk of deconditioning due to government restrictions in school attendance, exercise and socialisation. An alternative means of delivering therapy was required. METHOD(S): 30 families with school age children were invited to attend a virtual therapy group. Following initial interest from 21 children, 14 (age range 4-14 years) participated in a 5 week therapy group. Children were split into 3 age groups (4-7/8-12/13-14). Weekly 75 minute sessions comprised functional gross and fine motor activities. Educational elements with opportunities to explore thoughts and feelings were included. Each group were set a challenge to compete a virtual race from Bristol to Lands' End, recording their distance (walking, wheeling, cycling) throughout the week. Feedback was collected from participants and parents. RESULT(S): Feedback was received from 12/14 of attendees and parents and 4/7 who did not attend. Reasons for non-attendance included anxiety around video calls, other commitments and injuries. Of those that attended 100% (n=12) enjoyed the group and reported increased activity levels. Scavenger Hunt was cited as the favourite activity. 16.6% (n=2) children reported discussion on personal feelings uncomfortable. 16.6% (n=2) reported exercises were hard. 100% (n=9) of parents reported no significant difficulties with IT. Parent reported benefits included positive social interaction with other children with OI (66%, n=6), improving routine in preparation for school return (55%, n=5). Challenges for therapy team included identifying appropriate IT platform, choosing activities appropriate for various abilities and virtual instruction. Successes included time efficiency, full inclusion regardless of geographic location, increased activity levels of children with OI in preparation for school return. CONCLUSION(S): A safe, socially distanced method of delivering group therapy during a pandemic was achieved. Virtual therapy can be a useful adjunct, however this should not replace face to face therapy where possible.

Exploring the Athletic Identity, Anxiety, and Mental Health of Division II Collegiate Athletes in the COVID-19 Era

The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious implications on the health and well-being of student-athletes. The present study explored the athletic experiences of NCAA Division II college athletes during the competitive hiatus caused by the pandemic, as well as in their return to sport participation. Twenty male and female student-athletes from a variety of sports (freshman = 2, sophomores = 4, seniors = 9, and graduate = 5) participated in semistructured interviews to explore how the pandemic affected their athletic identity, anxiety, and mental health. Through the use of thematic content analysis, the following major themes were identified: (a) influence of COVID on athletic identity, (b) increased anxiety during COVID, (c) social aspects of sport participation, and (d) factors that influence mental health. Findings indicated a combination of positive and negative effects on the athletic identity, anxiety, and mental health and well-being of student-athletes.

Spectator Awareness and Support of Safety and Security Practices and Technologies During COVID-19

This study examined spectators' awareness of safety and security policies, procedures, and measures at events they attended in the US and their support of safety and security measures, including COVID-19-spe-cific policies, as they returned to live events in the spring and summer of 2021. Understanding spectators' sense of safety and their support of safety and security measures and related technologies while attending events can help venue and event directors plan accordingly to ensure the optimal spectator experience.

Returning to work: a qualitative study of the experiences of head and neck cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: UK head and neck cancer incidence and prevalence in working-age people are increasing. Work is important for individuals and society. Head and neck cancer survivors return to work less than other cancer survivors. Treatment affects physical and psychological functioning long-term. Evidence is limited, with no UK qualitative studies. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted, underpinned by a critical realism approach, involving semi-structured interviews with working head and neck cancer survivors. Interviews were conducted using the Microsoft Teams communication platform and interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen head and neck cancer survivors participated. Three themes were drawn from the data: changed meaning of work and identity, return-to-work experiences, and the impact of healthcare professionals on returning to work. Physical, speech and psychosocial changes affected workplace interactions, including stigmatising responses by work colleagues. CONCLUSION: Participants were challenged by returning to work. Work interactions and context influenced return-to-work success. Head and neck cancer survivors want return-to-work conversations within healthcare consultations, but perceived these as absent.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Hiatus From Sports Activities on Injuries Observed Among Division I NCAA Athletes.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly disrupted athletic activities, including those in the Pacific 12 (Pac-12) Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. It is currently unknown how the disruption in training and competition impacted athletes' risk of injury upon resumption of activities. Purpose: To describe and compare the rate, timing, mechanism, and severity of injuries among collegiate athletes across multiple sports in the Pac-12 Conference before and after the COVID-19 pandemic-associated hiatus of intercollegiate athletic activities. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Descriptive and injury data among intercollegiate athletes from both the season before the hiatus and the season after the hiatus were acquired from the Pac-12 Health Analytics Program database. Injury elements (timing of injury onset, injury severity, mechanism, recurrence, outcome, need for procedural intervention, and event segment during which the injury took place) were compared by time using the chi-square test and a multivariate logistic regression model. Subgroup analyses were performed on knee and shoulder injuries among athletes participating in sports with traditionally high rates of knee and shoulder injuries. Results: A total of 12,319 sports-related injuries across 23 sports were identified, with 7869 pre-hiatus injuries and 4450 post-hiatus injuries. There was no difference in the overall incidence of injury between the pre-hiatus and post-hiatus seasons. However, the proportion of noncontact injuries was higher in the post-hiatus season for football, baseball, and softball players, and the proportion of nonacute injuries in the post-hiatus season was higher among football, basketball, and rowing athletes. Finally, the overall proportion of injuries sustained by football players in the final 25% of competition or practice was higher in the post-hiatus season. Conclusion: Athletes competing in the post-hiatus season were observed to have higher rates of noncontact injuries and injuries sustained in the final 25% of competition. This study demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had varied effects on athletes from different sports, suggesting that many factors must be considered when designing return-to-sports programs for athletes after an extended absence from organized training.

Just Keep Swimming...Just Keep Swimming

History: We present a 15-year-old right hand dominant high school swimmer with no significant past medical history, who complains of right elbow pain along the distal biceps' tendon for a 2 months. Pain was insidious in onset, sharp, intermittent, and described as a 0 to 6 out of 10. The patient has been swimming more frequently over the last few months to prepare for competition and noticed progressive pain with swimming. He went on vacation and then was diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection and took an additional 2 weeks off due to fatigue. He returned to sport without re-integration and increased his swimming intensity to 1 to 2 hours daily, which worsened his pain. Performing the butterfly and breaststroke provoke symptoms and cessation of activity reduces the pain. Denies pain at rest. He took Advil which did not reduce his pain. Denies acute trauma, prior injuries, or paresthesias. Physical Exam: Inspection of right elbow: no swelling or signs of discoloration. Palpation: Tenderness at the distal biceps tendon but can hook the tendon without pain. No shoulder or wrist tenderness. Active Range of Motion: Elbow extension 0 degrees, elbow flexion 130 degrees, supination and pronation normal. Normal shoulder and wrist ROM. Muscle strength: 5/5 grip, wrist extension, and wrist flexion. Pain elicited with resisted elbow flexion at the distal humerus. Maneuvers: pain with distal humerus squeeze. Negative Maudsley and negative Cozen test. Differential Diagnosis: 36. Distal Biceps Tendonitis/Tear 37. Stress Reaction of the Distal Humerus 38. Medial Epicondyle Apophysitis 39. Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans 40. Radiocapitellar Plica Syndrome Test Results: x-ray right elbow: AP and Lateral views indicate no abnormalities to the bones, alignment, or soft tissue structures. MRI right elbow No IVCON: Biceps tendon intact. There is periosteal edema and endosteal aspect marrow edema along the medial aspect of the distal diaphysis and metaphysis of the humerus. Several small foci of increased cortical signal. No fractures, joint effusion, or chondral defects. Findings comparable to Fredrickson grade 4a distal humerus diametaphysis stress injury. Final Diagnosis: Right Elbow Supracondylar Grade 4a Stress Reaction. Discussion(s): Actives that involve repetitive motion are susceptible to overuse injuries. Cases of upper extremity stress reactions in swimmers have been documented along the inferior angle of the scapula, upper ribs, and olecranon. Stress reactions along the distal humerus in swimmers is not well documented. This pathology has been seen in baseball players, cricket bowlers, and tennis players. In swimming, the butterfly technique requires significant endurance and athletic strength. During a sprint, fast synchronized upper extremity revolutions occurring up to 60 cycles perminute counterforcewater surface area friction leading to excessive loading forces even at 50 meter distances. Outcome(s): The patient was withheld from upper body work outs and swimming for 6 weeks. VitaminDand Calcium levels were drawn revealing a normal calcium level (10.2), but a vitamin D level of 28.1. Patient was started on 600 IU of Vitamin D and 1300 mg of Calcium daily. The patient started a return to swim program and returned to full competition at 7 months post presentation. Follow-Up: At 6 weeks, started an upper extremity low impact non-aquatic physical therapy program. Then a slow progressive return to swimming was initiated at 50% effort for 4 weeks. At 10 weeks, a return to sport plan including 200 m all strokes except butterfly, progressed to 250 m at week 2, 300 m at week 3, and 350 m at week 4. Finally, initiated speed work in =0 to 100 m increments and elbow loading workouts.

Race and Socioeconomic Status Influence the Benefits of Returning to Sports During COVID-19

Purpose: It is unknown whether certain populations of athletes benefit more from returning to sport following COVID-19 restrictions than others. The purpose of this study was to determine whether socioeconomic status (SES), race, or gender moderate the benefits of returning to sports during COVID-19. Method(s): Adolescents who participated in sports before COVID-19 reported sport participation, anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9) inMay 2021. The interactions of return to sport (yes [PLY], no [DNP]) and (1) sex, (2) race (white, nonwhite), and (3) SES (low vs high county household income) to predict anxiety and depression were evaluated, adjusted for age, school instruction, and concern about COVID-19. Result(s): Four thousand eight hundred seventy-four participants were included (16.1 +/- 1.3 years;52% female;PLY = 4456;DNP = 418). DNP had greater symptoms of anxiety (7.8 60.6 v 5.6+/-0.5, P<0.001) and depression (8.8+/-0.6 v 5.76 0.6, P < 0.001) and had significantly more non-white athletes (36% v 19%, P < 0.001), but no significant differences were identified with respect to gender, instructional delivery method, median county household income, or age. Compared with white athletes, adolescent athletes from racial minority groups who returned to sports had relatively greater decreases in anxiety (interaction estimate (b) = -1.18 +/- 0.6, P = 0.036) and depression (b=-1.19+/-0.6, P=0.045). Similarly, athletes from counties with lower household incomes who returned to sports had relatively greater decreases in anxiety (b= -1.23 +/-0.5, P = 0.017) and depression (b=-1.21+/-0.6, P=0.032). The benefits of returning to sports for female athletes were similar to male athletes with respect to anxiety (b = -0.16 +/-0.5, P = 0.76) and depression (beta = 0.49 +/- 0.6, P = 0.37). Conclusion(s): In this nationwide sample of adolescent athletes, returning to sport during COVID-19 was associated with significant mental health benefits for adolescent athletes. However, the greatest benefits were seen among athletes from racial minority groups and areas of lower household income. No differences in the mental health benefits of returning to sports were identified between male and female athletes. Significance: Restriction from sports may disproportionately impact the mental health of certain groups of adolescent athletes. Expanding access to sports for traditionally underserved groups can potentially provide significant mental health benefits.

The risk of COVID-19 transmission upon return to sport: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate COVID-19 transmission rates in athletes upon return to sport (RTS), as well as the effectiveness of preventive and surveillance measures associated with RTS. METHODS: In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify all articles reporting on RTS during COVID-19. Articles were excluded on the basis of the following criteria: (1) non-English text, (2) only abstract available, (3) population not athlete-specific, (4) outcome not RTS-specific, (5) COVID-19 transmission data not quantified, (6) editorial, or (7) review article or meta-analysis. Study characteristics; athlete demographics; COVID-19 preventive, surveillance, and diagnostic measures; COVID-19 transmission outcomes; and RTS recommendations were collected from each included article and analyzed. RESULTS: 10 studies were included in the final analysis, comprising over 97,000 athletes across a wide variety of sports, levels of play, and RTS settings. Of the 10 studies, eight identified low transmission rates and considered RTS to be safe/low risk. Overall, COVID-19 transmission rates were higher in athletes than in contacts, and more prevalent in the greater community than in athletes specifically. The risk of COVID-19 did not appear to be necessarily higher for athletes who played high-contact team sports, shared common facilities, or lived in communities impacted by high transmission rates, provided that rigorous COVID-19 safety and testing protocols were implemented and followed. Mask wearing and physical distancing during active play presented the greatest challenge to athletes. CONCLUSION: Rigorous preventive and surveillance measures can mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission in athletes upon RTS. However, the heterogeneity of RTS playing conditions, availability of COVID-19 resources, rise of unforeseen novel variants, and undetermined long-term impact of vaccination on athletes remain a challenge to safe and effective RTS in the era of COVID-19.

Considerations after lockdown and overcoming Covid-19: A systematic review for returning to safe physical exercise practice.

Objective: This systematic review aims to understand the problems associated with lockdown and the various conditions of Covid-19 infection and to help prepare athletes and exercise enthusiasts for the safe resumption of sport in a manner that promotes wellness, healthy competition, and a sports industry that survives the current situation. This systematic review was carried out, following the recommendations of the currently pre-established reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The following databases were consulted: ISI Web of Science (WOS), Scopus and Google Scholar. This review includes a total of 19 articles. News: The results are presented based on three predominant themes: (1) psychological impact produced by SARS-CoV-2; (2) post-Covid-19 cardiac abnormalities and (3) protocols for an adequate return to physical practice. Prospects and projects: Most of the protocols shown by the various papers are consistent in terms of duration and number of phases. Based on this, the safe return to practice protocol can be divided into four stages of seven days in each phase in order to progress according to the symptoms perceived. In each phase, the physiological demand and efforts necessary to cover the proposed activities are increased until optimal physical condition is recovered.

Objectif: Cette revue systématique vise à comprendre les problèmes associés au confinement et aux diverses conditions d'infection au Covid-19 et à aider à préparer les athlètes et les amateurs d'exercice à la reprise du sport en toute sécurité d'une manière qui favorise le bien-être, une compétition saine et une industrie du sport qui survit à la situation actuelle. Cette revue systématique a été réalisée en suivant les recommandations des éléments de notification actuellement préétablis pour les revues systématiques et les méta-analyses. Les bases de données suivantes ont été consultées : ISI Web of Science (WOS), Scopus et Google Scholar. Cette revue comprend un total de 19 articles. Actualités: Les résultats sont présentés selon trois thèmes prédominants : (1) impact psychologique produit par le SARS-CoV-2 ; (2) anomalies cardiaques post-Covid-19 et (3) protocoles pour un retour adéquat à la pratique physique. Perspectives et projets: La plupart des protocoles présentés par les différents papiers sont cohérents en termes de durée et de nombre de phases. Sur cette base, le protocole de retour à la pratique en toute sécurité peut être divisé en quatre étapes de sept jours chacune afin de progresser selon les symptômes perçus. Dans chaque phase, la demande physiologique et les efforts nécessaires pour couvrir les activités proposées sont augmentés jusqu'à ce que la condition physique optimale soit retrouvée.

Effects of COVID-19 Sport Suspension on Injury Rates in Elite Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: With the enforcement of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, sports teams worldwide were required to make drastic adjustments to their training regimen. This prolonged sport suspension resulted in a significant decrease in off-season and preseason training periods. Clinical Question: Are professional athletes who experienced a sport suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic at a higher risk of injury once they return to competition compared with pre-COVID-19 seasons? Summary of Key Findings: The literature was searched for articles examining the effects of COVID-19 sport suspension on athletic injury rates in elite athletes. A total of 240 articles were retrieved, and after exclusion criteria and removal of duplicates, four retrospective cohort studies remained. An increase in injury rates across studies after their sport suspension compared with pre-COVID-19 seasons was found. Clinical Bottom Line: The extended suspension from physical activity increased the risk of injury as players returned to sport training post-COVID-19 restrictions. While these studies demonstrated the effects on elite-level athletes, prolonged sport suspension may impact different patient populations. Strength of Recommendation: Based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy Scale, this critically appraised topic received a B grade for consistent but limited-quality patient-oriented evidence, with a low number of articles included.

Children Return to Preschool after Lockdown Due to the Covid-19 Epidemic

The aim of this article is to find out how preschool children felt after returning to preschool after 13- to 15-week- lockdown and whether their teachers made any amends in their work to accommodate children's needs and anxieties arising from the epidemic. The method used was triangulation: in addition to interviews with children (40), interviews were also conducted with their teachers (19) and parents (31). Our study shows that for most children, return to preschool was not stressful. Most children were happy that the preschool reopened which confirms that children of this age need the company of their peers and that preschool is an important part of their life. In regards to any changes in the methods of work, our research found that just under half of teachers amended their teaching methods and thus demonstrated awareness that children needed some time to readjust to preschool and its routines. Those teachers also seemed to understand that children had to be provided a safe environment in which they could broaden their understanding of the situation and process any potential epidemic-related traumatic experiences. Situations like the epidemic can help teachers reassess their relationship with and approach to children, especially in regards to listening to them and seeing them as competent beings.

In brief

Research shows that while inhaling gas and air (Entonox) in labour is safe for mothers and babies, long-term cumulative exposure may carry health risks. Work notice The right to strike The UK government's Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill is, at the time of going to press, at the committee stage in the House of Lords (the first chance for line-by-line examination). Visit bit.ly/ Clementine-register Working mums Maternity leave Careers After Babies research has found that of 848 mothers interviewed, 98% want to return to work after having a child but just 13% can make it work full-time, citing the cost of childcare and lack of flexibility from businesses as the reason. Find out more at hegenbergermedical.com/training Research Healthy eating support Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire are calling for better information on diet and nutrition to be made available to expectant parents.

Long COVID-Challenges in diagnosis and managing return-to-work.

OBJECTIVES: Long COVID may be a public health concern resulting in a hidden toll of the pandemic years later, on workers and their work ability in the workforce. We illustrate the challenges in diagnosing long COVID in a patient, its associated psychological impact on work and how return-to-work can be better managed and supported from an occupational health perspective. METHODS: An Occupational Health trainee working as a government public health officer experienced persistent fatigue, decreased effort tolerance, and difficulties in concentration after contracting COVID-19. There were unintended psychological effects arising from the functional limitations that were not explained with a proper diagnosis. This was further complicated with a lack of access to occupational health services for return-to-work. RESULTS: He developed his own rehabilitation plan to improve his physical tolerance. Progressive efforts to build up his physical fitness complemented with workplace adjustments helped to overcome his functional limitations and allowed him to effectively return-to-work. CONCLUSION: Diagnosing long COVID continues to remain challenging due to a lack of consensus on a definitive diagnostic criterion. This may give rise to unintended mental and psychological impact. Workers with long COVID symptoms can return-to-work, involving a complex individualized approach to the symptoms' impact on work, and workplace adjustments and job modifications available. The psychological toll on the worker must also be addressed. Occupational health professionals are best placed to facilitate these workers in their journey to return-to-work, with multi-disciplinary delivery models providing return to work services.

Experiences of workers with post-COVID-19 symptoms can signpost suitable workplace accommodations

Purpose: The prevalence and multi-system nature of post-COVID-19 symptoms warrants clearer understanding of their work ability implications within the working age population. An exploratory survey was undertaken to provide empirical evidence of the work-relevant experiences of workers recovering from COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach: A bespoke online survey based on a biopsychosocial framework ran between December 2020 and February 2021. It collected quantitative ratings of work ability and return-to-work status, qualitative responses about return-to-work experiences, obstacles and recommendations, along with views on employer benefits for making accommodations. A sample of 145 UK workers recovering from COVID-19 was recruited via social media, professional networks and industry contacts. Qualitative data was subject to thematic analysis. Participants were mainly from health/social care (50%) and educational settings (14%). Findings: Just over 90% indicated that they had experienced at least some post-COVID-19 symptoms, notably fatigue and cognitive effects. For 55%, symptoms lasted longer than six months. Only 15% had managed a full return-to-work. Of the 88 who provided workability ratings, just 13 and 18% respectively rated their physical and mental workability as good or very good. Difficulties in resuming work were attributed to symptom unpredictability, their interaction with job demands, managing symptoms and demands in parallel, unhelpful attitudes and expectations. Manager and peer support was reported as variable. Originality/value: Workplace health management characterised by flexible long-term collaborative return-to-work planning, supported by more COVID-centric absence policies and organisational cultures, appear pivotal for sustaining the return-to-work of the large segments of the global workforce affected by post-COVID-19 symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Profile of healthcare workers who contracted COVID-19 after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: Being at high-risk for COVID-19, healthcare workers (HCW) were prioritized in the beginning of vaccination campaigns in Tunisia. The emergence of several variants raises the issue of resistance and postvaccination infection. Aim(s): To study epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infection in HCW who previously had COVID19 vaccine. Method(s): Retrospective descriptive study focusing on Rabta hospital's HCW who presented themselves for a reinstatement visit after post-vaccination COVID-19 infection, from 15 March to 31 December 2021. Result(s): There were 122 HCW with a mean age of 42.8 years, a sex ratio of 0.5, and an average professional seniority of 13.8 years. 32% worked full-time in COVID-19 wards and13.1% had a history of COVID-19 before vaccination. Half had received two doses of vaccine. They were vaccinated mainly with mRNA (66.4%), viral vector (19.9%) or attenuated virus (12.3%). Symptoms appeared, on average, 35 days after the last dose of vaccine and the disease was confirmed by RT-PCR after 3 days of the symptom's onset. The main symptoms described were asthenia (66.4%), cough (66.4%), headache (62.3%), anosmia (64.8%), ageusia (55.7%), fever (52.2%), diarrhea (40.2%) ans dyspnea (21.3%). They were mainly put on symptomatic treatment and home rest for 11 days. However, 15% had an extension of their sick-leave and 2.5% presented a severe form requiring hospitalization. On return to work, 59.8% reported the persistence of symptoms including cough (18.9%), asthenia (11.5%), dyspnea (9.8%), anosmia and ageusia (7.4%). Conclusion(s): Vaccinated HCW presented mainly a mild form of COVID-19. Vaccination is an important and promising means to end this pandemic.

Respiratory symptomatology of Covid-19 in healthcare workers

Introduction: Health personnel are particularly exposed to the risk of contamination by SARS-CoV2. Various symptoms, particularly respiratory, have been described in this population. Objective(s): Determine the socio-professional, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of healthcare workers with Covid-19. Method(s): Descriptive cross-sectional study with health staff at Rabta hospital, suffering from Covid-19. The information was collected using a questionnaire administered by the doctor during the return to work consultation. Result(s): Our population included 418 health workers and was predominantly female (75.4%) with an average age of 41.5 +/- 10.5 years. They belonged to medical services in 40.1% of cases and held the position of nurse in 33.7% of cases. Contamination was intra-hospital in 45.7% of cases. A history of allergic asthma was noted in 7.4% of health workers. Respiratory symptoms were present in 63.9% of cases, mainly consisting of cough (45.9%) and dyspnea (28.9%). It was a moderate form in 24.2% of cases. A chest computed tomography was performed in 10.3% of cases, objectifying interstitial lung disease in 49% of cases. Hospitalization was necessary for 5.7% of staff with an average duration of 7.9 days. It was significantly related to the presence of respiratory signs (p<=10-3). On returning to work, 14.6% of affected personnel reported the persistence of exertional dyspnea. Conclusion(s): The respiratory signs of Covid-19, dominated by cough and dyspnea, were widely represented in our population and statistically associated with the need for hospitalization.

Flexible work arrangements and millennial engagement: A study of the engagement outcomes of the perceptions, tools, and usage of flexible work arrangements

Flexible work arrangements (FWAs) became a way of life for many as they navigated the numerous challenges that arose from the COVID-19 global pandemic. As organizations evaluate their FWA policies and implementation, it is worth asking how FWAs relate to employee engagement and, importantly, how can organizations shape that relationship? These questions may be especially pertinent to millennial employees who value many of the benefits of FWAs, such as increased autonomy and independence, and who are experiencing noticeably lower rates of engagement compared to their older coworkers. As such, this research is grounded in the question, what is the relationship between employees' flexible work arrangement experience (FWA use, FWA perceptions, and FWA tools) and their level of engagement? Furthermore, does this relationship differ for millennial employees? This research surveyed 3,555 employees from a U.S.-based company on their FWA use, FWA perceptions, and FWA tools. Additionally, participants completed the UWES-9 engagement survey. These data, along with participant generation, were analyzed through several regression models to explore the relationships between specific FWA components and employee engagement. This research demonstrated that FWA perceptions and FWA tools had strong positive relationships with employee engagement, while FWA use did not. These findings provide significant practical takeaways for organizations looking to leverage FWAs to improve employee engagement;most importantly, it is paramount that employees feel flexibility is supported in the organizations even if they never choose to use FWAs. Additionally, generation was not found to moderate the relationships between FWAs and engagement, but statistically significant differences between generations were noted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Data-Driven COVID-19 Vaccine Development for Janssen

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred extensive vaccine research worldwide. One crucial part of vaccine development is the phase III clinical trial that assesses the vaccine for safety and efficacy in the prevention of COVID-19. In this work, we enumerate the first successful implementation of using machine learning models to accelerate phase III vaccine trials, working with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine to predictively select trial sites with naturally high incidence rates ("hotspots"). We develop DELPHI, a novel, accurate, policy-driven machine learning model that serves as the basis of our predictions. During the second half of 2020, the DELPHI-driven site selection identified hotspots with more than 90% accuracy, shortened trial duration by six to eight weeks (approximately 33%), and reduced enrollment by 15,000 (approximately 25%). In turn, this accelerated time to market enabled Janssen's vaccine to receive its emergency use authorization and realize its public health impact earlier than expected. Several geographies identified by DELPHI have since been the first areas to report variants of concern (e.g., Omicron in South Africa), and thus DELPHI's choice of these areas also produced early data on how the vaccine responds to new threats. Johnson & Johnson has also implemented a similar approach across its business including supporting trial site selection for other vaccine programs, modeling surgical procedure demand for its Medical Device unit, and providing guidance on return-to-work programs for its 130,000 employees. Continued application of this methodology can help shorten clinical development and change the economics of drug development by reducing the level of risk and cost associated with investing in novel therapies. This will allow Johnson & Johnson and others to enable more effective delivery of medicines to patients.

School reintegration after COVID-19: The impact of COVID-19 related-anxiety on high school learners

This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 related-anxiety on academics and absenteeism pre- and post-pandemic school years. The aim of this research was to investigate if anxiety impacted at-risk youths' (ethnically diverse high school students living in low-income areas) mental health during an important transitional stage of their lives following quarantine due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19) pandemic. The sudden changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including pivoting to online learning, social distancing from peers, and a seemingly endless quarantine, increased students' uncertainties, and anxiety (Besser et al., 2020). This study further investigated gender differences in youths' anxiety response to COVID-19 as prior research indicates that females tend to be at higher risk for anxiety following trauma. This researcher recruited 99 high school students (grades 10-12) from a local, low-income suburban/rural high school with an ethnically diverse population. Findings indicated that COVID-19 related-anxiety impacted female students significantly more than male students upon returning to in-person learning (p = .05). In addition, COVID-19 related-anxiety had a positive correlation with State-Trait Anxiety scores. Results did not indicate significant changes due to COVID-19 related-anxiety on absenteeism, GPA or ELA grades upon returning to in-person learning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Recuperacion laboral, clinica y funcional a 3 meses del alta en pacientes hospitalizados por neumonia por SARSCoV2. Relacion con la terapia recibida

Introduction: The SARS-CoV 2 pandemic has brought a high burden of disease. Its long-term repercussions are still under investigation. The objective of this report was to evaluate the occupational, clinical, and functional respiratory recovery at 3 months of patients hospitalized for COVID-19, related to the ventilatory therapy received. Material(s) and Method(s): Prospective cohort of 116 patients from the Hospital Naval Almirante Nef de Vina del Mar, Chile, with clinical and functional respiratory follow-up at 3 months. Result(s): Median follow-up 100 days. 75 men, Median age 60 years, 50% obese, 34.5% smokers and 13.8% with respiratory comorbidity. 16% had undergo rehabilitation. Dyspnea in 73.7% and fatigue in 50%. Only 54.8% returned to work. 65% who used oxygen therapy (O2) returned to work compared to 44% who used HFNC and 33.3% IMV. Return to normal life achieved was greater in the O2 group compared with HFNC group and IMV group (71.4% versus 17.5% and 11.1%). Pulmonary function tests were normal in 39 patients (33.6%). Normal DLCO and normal distance walked in 6 minutes were higher in the group that return to work. The HNFC group had an OR of 5.9 of DLCO alterations, while VMI group had an OR of 3.6 in relation to the group that received O2. Discussion(s): This cohort repeats risk factors and persistence of symptoms described in literature. DLCO alteration was the most frequently founding and to a greater extent than other reports. Conclusion(s): At 3 months of follow-up, work absenteeism, persistence of symptoms and respiratory functional alteration were frequently evidenced, especially in those who received ventilatory support.