Songs Which Resonate: Music and Nostalgia in the First U.K. COVID-19 Lockdown

This chapter presents a preliminary study of the nostalgic songs which resonated with the U.K. public in the early stages of the first national COVID-19 lockdown (March 2020). Examination of the lyrics which resonated with listeners will be facilitated through word cloud analyses. The intention is to appraise how song choices may serve to manifest the collective search for positive momentum and connection in quarantine. In the midst of social isolation, upheaval and fear, song served as catharsis, evoking memories of the past and promoting hope for the future. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Coping strategies of individuals in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United Kingdom (UK) was among the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is, therefore, imperative to understand the coping strategies of individuals in the UK during the pandemic to develop appropriate programs and policies for them. A heterogeneous sample of 50 UK residents (15 males & 35 females) with an age range of 18-55 years were recruited using a snowball technique from Facebook between April and May 2020. Participants responded to 4 open-ended questions (that were generated through consultation with literature and 2 health practitioners) that sought to explore their coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze data using a data-driven method. Eleven themes were found: "socializing with loved ones (e.g., through video calls)", "engaging in exercise", "being occupied with jobs", "being occupied with studies", "avoiding negative news on COVID-19", "consumption of alcohol", "healthy eating", "engaging in meditation activities", "gaming activities", "hope", and "self-care and self-appreciation", in that order. Positive and maladaptive coping strategies were employed by some individuals in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. This, therefore, echoes the need for appropriate psychosocial support programs that strengthen positive coping strategies and mitigate maladaptive coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern 202012/01 (U.K. Variant) and D614G Variant Transmission by Different Routes in Syrian Hamsters.

Introduction: Many SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) have been reported recently that were linked to increased transmission. In our earlier study using VOC 202012/01 (U.K. variant) and D614G variant in the hamster model, we observed higher viral RNA shedding through nasal wash in the case of U.K. variant with lower pathogenicity in lung. In this study, we have studied transmission of these two variants by direct contact, aerosol, and fomite routes in Syrian hamsters and compared the viral load and body weight changes in hamsters exposed by both variants to understand the transmission efficiency. Methods: Nasal, throat, and rectal swabs were collected sequentially to assess viral load till 14 days. Results: Transmission could be established by direct, aerosol, and fomite contact in Syrian hamsters. Body weight loss or viral load in the contact animals exposed did not show any statistical significance. Conclusion: The study demonstrated comparable transmission of both U.K. and D614G variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters in the given conditions. Provided these data, it seems that all the routes of exposure are effective leading to higher transmission.

Global health education in U.K. universities.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a paradigm shift in global health, casting a previously niche academic discipline into a headline dominating field of research. However, accurate information on the delivery of global health education (GHE) at a university level is lacking. This study aims to assess current GHE practices in U.K. universities, by identifying the availability of dedicated global health qualifications, as well as the breadth of inclusion of GHE topics across university course content. METHODS: Universities selected were the top 25 recipients of MRC funding in 2015-2016, as well as universities who were included in previous iterations of the "Global Health League Table". We used the Consortium of Universities for Global Health "GHE Competencies Toolkit" to identify the presence of global health content across university global health and other course offerings. Universities were additionally judged on opportunities available in global health and on the presence of sustainable partnerships. RESULTS: Our results showed that 20 universities (74%) offer a post-graduate global health related course, with 9 (33%) offering an undergraduate global health related course. 13 (48%) were identified as centers of global health excellence. Just 12 (44%) universities had registered sustainable partnerships with Tropical Health and Education Trust. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine was identified as the top deliverer of GHE, with the Universities of Leicester and the Universities of Exeter joint bottom. We were unable to standardize quality assessments in this iteration of the project, but the release of student feedback to future assessors would help to improve the reliability of this study methodology. Additionally, much of our data was based on information available online, and thus some aspects of degree courses not published publicly may not have been accounted for in our scoring. CONCLUSION: Those institutions wishing to improve their delivery of GHE should consider the establishment of a postgraduate or undergraduate degree course. Breadth of global health content across curricular was a major discriminating factor between institutions, and we would advise universities to consider including more global health topics across their curricular - especially in light of the intersectional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Post-COVID-19 New Normal for Molecular Imaging Departments: A United Kingdom Perspective.

Coronavirus disease 2019 has changed the way the world is navigated and has had a massive impact on health care. Depending on where you are in the world, the guidance on dealing with potential infected patients is varied. With the high risk of a second wave, it is important to learn from initial responses to plan for the future. With proper preparation, it is possible to minimize exposure and risk of contamination to individuals visiting molecular imaging departments. Such precautions will help departments operate at full capacity. From the widespread nature of this pandemic, a global perspective can be useful; what follows is the United Kingdom's perspective.