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The proceedings contain 109 papers. The topics discussed include: dose intensity of palbociclib and initial body weight dosage: implications on progression free survival in 220 patients with ER+/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer;characteristics of Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir (Paxlovid) recipients and clinical interventions by oncology pharmacists at a tertiary outpatient cancer center;safe handling of non-carcinogenic drugs in the Ghent University Hospital: development, implementation and communication of hospital-specific guidelines;case series: use of olaparib in uncommon locations in patients with impaired homologous recombination;real-world data evaluation of medicines used in special situations in oncohematology: a retrospective study from a comprehensive cancer institution;Dostarlimab in the treatment of recurrent endometrial cancer: real life experience;medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and CDK4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer;and efficacy and safety outcomes of generic imatinib in adults with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) following the switch from branded imatinib.
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Objective To explore the influence of chronic disease long prescription management on the treatment effect of the patients with hypertension during the novel coronavirus pneumonia（COVID-19) epidemic period. Methods Eighty patients with hypertension chronic disease and with relatively stable condition, suitable for long medication and documented management in the outpatient department of a hospital from May 2020 to April 2021 were selected and randomly divided into the long term prescription treatment group and conventional treatment group, 40 cases in each group by using a simple randomized sampling method. The two groups conducted the standard management and 1-year follow up.The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI),satisfaction rate, visit time and cumulative visit times were compared between the two groups, and then the blood pressure control rate was calculated. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood pressure control and BMI at the first time and final follow up between the two groups（P＞0.05）;the satisfaction rate of the patients in the long prescription treatment group was significantly higher than that in the routine treatment group（P＜0.05）,while the visiting time and cumulative visiting number in the long prescription treatment group were significantly lower than those in the routine treatment group, and the difference was statistically significant（P＜0.05）.Conclusion Compared with the conventional treatment method, the chronic disease long prescription will not have an impact on the treatment effect and safety in the patients with hypertension, but it could effectively shorten the visiting time of the patients, reduce the number of visits, effectively improve the satisfaction rate of the patients, help to improve the treatment compliance of the patients and promote the prognosis of the disease. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] 目的 探索新型冠状病毒感染疫情防控期间慢病长处方管理对高血压患者疗效的影响. 方法 选取2020年5月至2021年4月在某院门诊就诊的病情相对稳定、适合长期服药, 并且已建档管理的高血压慢性病患者80例, 通过简单随机化抽样方法, 将抽样样本随机分为长处方治疗组和常规治疗组, 每组40例. 2组均规范管理, 随访1年. 比较2组患者收缩压、舒张压、体重指数、满意率、就诊时间和累积就诊次数, 计算血压控制率. 结果 2组患者首次及终末随访收缩压、舒张压、血压控制情况、体重指数比较, 差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;长处方治疗组患者满意率明显高于常规治疗组, 就诊时间和累积就诊次数均明显低于常规治疗组, 差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05) . 结论 与常规治疗方法比较, 慢病长处方不会对高血压患者疗效、安全性产生影响, 但能有效缩短患者就诊时间, 减少其就诊次数, 有效改善患者的满意度, 有助于提高患者治疗的依从性, 促进疾病转归. (Chinese) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Modern Medicine & Health is the property of Journal of Modern Medicine & Health and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
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Back pain is one of the most common ailments that have plagued mankind since time immemorial. The frequency of spinal diseases is second only to seasonal viral upper respiratory infections. The period of the Covid 19 pandemic has expanded mandatory work from home - home office, limiting the mobility of the population and thereby increasing back pain due to muscle imbalance in the back area. Muscle imbalance can originate from incorrect, one-sided or long-term loading of the axial organ - the spine. If one adds to this the forcing of the position of the head and upper limbs, which is part of the work with the imaging unit, then it is not surprising that the prevalence of non-specific back pain is high and shifts to the lower age groups. Physiotherapy has a large number of special methods and procedures that can prevent back pain with regular exercises. It was during the Covid 19 pandemic that there was a massive increase in the use of distance methods aimed at practicing physical activity for back pain in the sense of pain therapy or its prevention. The paper describes meridian pathwas and exercises aimed at their harmonization and presents the partial results of the authors'pilot study, which determines the effect of exercises aimed at harmonizing meridian pathways on the perception of pain in non-specific back pain in a distance form.Copyright © 2022 TIGIS Spol. s.r.o.. All rights reserved.
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Objective: Is to find out which revascularization methods have less of risk factors and complications after the surgery and long-term period. Method(s): From January 2018 to December 2019 were operated 134 patients with LAD CTO. 48 of them underwent MIDCAB: 36 (75%) males and 12 (25%) females;aged 58.7 +/-8.7;7 (14.6%) with previous diabetes;10 (20.8%) with previous PCI of LAD with drug-eluting stent. In the PCI group there were 86 patients: 52 (60.5%) males and 34 (39.5%) females;aged 64.8 +/-8.3;23 (26.7%) with previous diabetes. Result(s): Hospital mortality was 0 (0%) in MIDCAB unlike 1 (1.2%) in PCI. Myocardial infarction was 0 (0%) in both the groups. In MIDCAB the number of conversions to onpump and sternotomy was 0 (0%), there were 6 (12.5%) pleuritis with pleural puncture and 3 (6.2%) with long wound-aches. The hospitalization period was 10.7+/-2.9 days for MIDCAB and 9.9 +/-3.9 days for PCI. In the PCI group 2.0 +/-1.0 drug-eluting stents were used. In-hospital costs were higher for PCI 3809 unlike 3258 for MIDCAB. After one year in MIDCAB group died 2 (4.2%) patients, from noncardiac causes. In PCI group died 3 (3.5%) patients, all from cardiac causes. Because of pandemic COVID-19 were checked only 48 patients by angiography and general clinical examination: 25 after MIDCAB and 23 after PCI. 5 patients have a graft failure, caused by surgical mistakes. 4 patients have stents restenosis and 1 has LAD's reocclusion. Conclusion(s): Both methods of revascularization for LAD CTO are demonstrated similar results. EuroSCORE II (P = 0.008) and glomerular filtrating rate (P = 0.004) are significant potential risk factors for mortality in both groups, age is potential risk factor for graft failure (P = 0.05). Dyslipidemia is significant risk factor for LAD restenosis in PCI group (P = 0.02). MIDCAB is associated with lower incidence of revascularization repeat and in-hospital mortality in the literature data and it costs lower than PCI for LAD CTO as our study has shown.
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Objectives: To evaluate how payers utilize Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) assessments to inform coverage or formulary decisions. Method(s): Double-blinded, web-based survey was fielded through Xcenda's research panel, the Managed Care Network, from June to July 2022. Result(s): A total of 51 payers from health plans (n=27), integrated delivery networks (n=12), and pharmacy benefit managers (n=12) participated in the survey. When assessing the usefulness of ICER's value assessment framework (VAF) to inform formulary decisions within their organizations, 57% of payers indicated it was extremely/very useful, 33% indicated somewhat useful, and 10% indicated not at all/not very useful. Most respondents (73%) agreed that ICER assessments are aligned with their organization's internal assessment. Utilization of ICER's VAF was most prevalent in high-cost drug or disease states (78%), rare/orphan disease states (71%), and oncology/hematology disease states (67%). Payers reported less use in primary care disease states (29%), COVID-19 (8%), and digital therapeutics (4%). In the last 24 months, 20% of payers reported ICER's recommendations often influenced coverage decisions, 59% indicated occasional influence, and 22% indicated no influence. In the last 24 months, payers indicated the top 5 ICER assessments that influenced their coverage decisions included high cholesterol (38%), Alzheimer's disease (36%), atopic dermatitis (33%), multiple myeloma (31%), and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (28%). ICER assessments that were less impactful included beta thalassemia (3%), digital health technologies (3%), and supervised injection facilities (3%). Payers reported using ICER assessments to inform both expanded and restricted coverage decisions. Conclusion(s): Payers find ICER's VAF useful to inform their organization's formulary decisions. ICER's assessments often align with payers' internal assessments and are most frequently utilized for high-cost drugs or disease states. Payers indicate ICER assessments have affected both expansion and restriction in their coverage policies.Copyright © 2023
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IntroductionThe development of high-quality physical education curriculums is required in the information age. Interdisciplinary literacy and student learning behavior are two significant factors that affect the quality of teaching and learning. This study explores the relationship between interdisciplinary literacy (IDL) and learning effects (LE) among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the mediating effects of online physical education learning behaviors (OPELB). This research aims to provide a reference for the development of high-quality online physical education. MethodsThe study involved 691 college students from 10 general universities in Shaanxi Province as research subjects. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis and Bootstrap testing were used to evaluate the mediating effects. ResultsThere was a significant positive relationship between the three variables of IDL, OPELB, and LE (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis found that IDL significantly and positively predicted LE and OPELB (p < 0.001), and OPELB predicted LE (p < 0.001). IDL among college students had a total effect of 0.816 on LE, with OPELB accounting for 22.67% of the mediated effect. DiscussionThis study demonstrates that OPELB has a partial mediating effect on IL and LE, and stable IDL and OPELB improve LE. Therefore, teachers should pay attention to improving students' IDL while encouraging them to develop better OPELB to achieve satisfactory learning outcomes.
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The Covid-19 pandemic brought many businesses to a standstill as international travel restriction was imposed across countries in addition to a national lockdown. Firm performances were depressed due to reduced order and output. This study examines whether digitalization has mitigated the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Malaysia's manufacturing sector. Using sales as the performance yardstick of 24 industrial sectors from January to December 2020, our result shows that manufacturing sales performance was negatively related to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the adverse impact of Covid-19 was mitigated with a higher level of digitalization. The mitigating role of digitalization remains robust in further analysis. This study has managed to quantify the mitigating effect of Covid-19 on manufacturing sectors. As a policy implication, the government should expedite the introduction of the 5G network, promote digital adoption across all sectors to ensure business continuity and provide an effective response mechanism in any pandemic or crisis. © 2023, University of Wollongong. All rights reserved.
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In novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), liver injury was found at a high rate, and reports from outside Japan revealed that such injury was related to severity. We examined the characteristics of liver injury in 15 cases of COVID-19. Thirteen of these patients received antiviral therapy, such as favipiravir, remdesivir, and hydroxychloroquine. Liver injury was observed in eight cases at admission for COVID-19. The hepatic CT attenuation values at admission were significantly lower in nine patients who developed liver damage or showed its exacerbation during the treatment than in the remaining patients. Drug-induced liver injury due to antiviral drug was suspected in six cases. Liver injury due to COVID-19 may be related to low hepatic CT attenuation values and be modified by antiviral drugs.Copyright © 2021 The Japan Society of Hepatology.
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Urban scaling law quantifies the disproportional growth of urban indicators with urban population size, which is one of the simple rules behind the complex urban system. Infectious diseases are closely related to social interactions that intensify in large cities, resulting in a faster speed of transmission in large cities. However, how this scaling relationship varies in an evolving pandemic is rarely investigated and remains unclear. Here, taking the COVID- 19 epidemic in the United States as an example, we collected daily added cases and deaths from January 2020 to June 2022 in more than three thousand counties to explore the scaling law of COVID- 19 cases and city size and its evolution over time. Results show that COVID- 19 cases super- linearly scaled with population size, which means cases increased faster than population size from a small city to a large city, resulting in a higher morbidity rate of COVID- 19 in large cities. Temporally, the scaling exponent that reflects the scaling relationship stabilized at around 1.25 after a fast increase from less than one. The scaling exponent gradually decreased until it was close to one. In comparison, deaths caused by the epidemic did not show a super-linear scaling relationship with population size, which revealed that the fatality rate of COVID-19 in large cities was not higher than that in small or medium-sized cities. The scaling exponent of COVID- 19 deaths shared a similar trend with that of COVID- 19 cases but with a lag in time. We further estimated scaling exponents in each wave of the epidemic, respectively, which experienced the common evolution process of first rising, then stabilizing, and then decreasing. We also analyzed the evolution of scaling exponents over time from regional and provincial perspectives. The northeast, where New York State is located, had the highest scaling exponent, and the scaling exponent of COVID- 19 deaths was higher than that of COVID-19 cases, which indicates that large cities in this region were more prominently affected by the epidemic. This study reveals the size effect of infectious diseases based on the urban scaling law, and the evolution process of scaling exponents over time also promotes the understanding of the urban scaling law. The mechanism behind temporal variations of scaling exponents is worthy of further exploration. © 2023 Science Press. All rights reserved.
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Under the influence of the novel coronavirus epidemic, some negative social events, such as separation of family or friends and home isolation have increased. These events can cause negative emotion experiences similar to physical pain, thus they are called social pain. Placebo effect refers to the positive response to the inert treatment with no specific therapeutic properties, which has been shown to be one of the effective ways to alleviate social pain. Studies have shown that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) plays a key role in placebo effect. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether activating DLPFC by using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could improve the ability of placebo effects to regulate social pain. Besides, we also combined neuroimaging and neuromodulation techniques to provide bidirectional evidence for the role of the DLPFC on placebo effects. We recruited a total of 100 participants to finish the task of negative emotional rating of the social exclusion images. Among them, 50 participants were stimulated by TMS at the right DLPFC (rDLPFC), while the others were assigned to the sham group. This study contained two independent variables. The between-subject variable was TMS group (rDLPFC-activated group or sham group) and the within-subject variable was placebo type (no-placebo and placebo). All participants received nasal spray in two blocks. In the no-placebo condition, participants were instructed that they would receive a saline nasal spray which helped to improve physiological readings;in placebo block, participants were told to administrate an intranasal fluoxetine spray (saline nasal spray in fact) that could reduce unpleasantness within 10 minutes. To strengthen the expectation of intranasal fluoxetine, participants viewed a professional introduction to fluoxetine's clinical and academic usage including downregulating negative emotion, such as fear, anxiety, and disgust. Participants who received the placebo block first would be reminded that fluoxetine's effect was over before the next block to reduce the carry-over for the following block. Self-reported negative emotional and electroencephalogram data were recorded. There was a significant two-way interaction of TMS group and placebo type. Results showed that compared with the sham group, participants in the rDLPFC-activated group reported less negative emotional feeling and had a lower amplitude of the late positive potential (LPP) in placebo condition, a component that reflects the emotional intensity, suggesting that activating rDLPFC can improve the ability of placebo effect to regulate social pain. The above finding suggested that activating DLPFC can improve the placebo effect of regulating negative emotion. Moreover, this study is the first attempt to investigate the enhancement of placebo effects by using TMS on emotion regulation. The findings not only support the critical role of DLPFC on placebo effect using neuroimaging and neuromodulation techniques, but also provide a potential brain target for treating emotional regulation deficits in patients with psychiatric disorders. © 2023 WANG Mei.
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Dayuanyin (DYY) has been shown to reduce lung inflammation in both coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and lung injury. This experiment was designed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of action of DYY against hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) and to evaluate the effect of DYY on the protection of lung function. Animal welfare and experimental procedures are approved and in accordance with the provision of the Animal Ethics Committee of the Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science. Male C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, model group, DYY group (800 mg.kg-1), and positive control sildenafil group (100 mg.kg-1). The animals were given control solvents or drugs by gavage three days in advance. On day 4, the animals in the model group, DYY group and sildenafil group were kept in a hypoxic chamber containing 10% +/- 0.5% oxygen, and the animals in the control group were kept in a normal environment, and the control solvent or drugs continued to be given continuously for 14 days. The right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy index, organ indices and other metrics were measured in the experimental endpoints. Meantime, the expression levels of the inflammatory factors in mice lung tissues were measured. The potential therapeutic targets of DYY on pulmonary hypertension were predicted using network pharmacology, the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF- kappaB) signaling pathway-related proteins were measured by Western blot assay. It was found that DYY significantly reduced the right ventricular systolic pressure, attenuated lung injury and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors in mice. It can also inhibit hypoxia-induced activation of NF- kappaB signaling pathway. DYY has a protective effect on lung function, as demonstrated by DYY has good efficacy in HPH, and preventive administration can slow down the disease progression, and its mechanism may be related to inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by DYY.Copyright © 2023, Chinese Pharmaceutical Association. All rights reserved.
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Objectives: Cases of fulminant myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination have been reported. The most severe may need venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) support. Here we report two cases successfully rescued with V-A ECMO. Method(s): We included all the cases supported with V-A ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock due to myocarditis secondary to a mRNA SARS-COV2 vaccine in the high-volume adult ECMO Program in Vall Hebron University Hospital since January 2020. Result(s): We identified two cases (table). One of them was admitted for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In both, a peripheral V-A ECMO was implanted in the cath lab. An intra-aortic balloon pump was needed in one case for left ventricle unloading. Support could be successfully withdrawn in a mean of five days. No major bleeding or thrombosis complications occurred. Definite microscopic diagnosis could be reached in one case (Image, 3). Treatment was the same, using 1000mg of methylprednisolone/day for 3 days. A cardiac magnetic resonance 10 days after admission showed a significant improvement in systolic function and diffuse oedema and subepicardial contrast intake in different segments (Image, 1-2). Both patients were discharged fully recovered. Conclusion(s): V-A ECMO should be established in cases of COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis with refractory cardiogenic shock during the acute phase. (Table Presented).
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Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) poses expectant mothers to a higher risk of serious complications and mortality. Following a risk-benefit review, a number of governmental and professional bodies from across the globe recently approved the COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Aim(s): This study aimed to investigate knowledge, actual acceptance, and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine among the obstetric population. Material(s) and Method(s): Participants were selected from among the expecting women who came for antenatal checkup during the study period (October 1, 2021-November 30, 2021). About 150 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and consented were recruited into the study. Data related to socio-demographic and clinical characteristics as well as knowledge, actual acceptance, and concerns about COVID-19 vaccine were collected through in-person interviews using a prestructured questionnaire. The SPSS version 23 was used to analyze data. The association between the attitude (acceptance and hesitance) of participants toward the COVID-19 vaccine and their sociodemographic and clinical profile was found by Fisher's exact test. Result(s): The actual acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among expecting women was 52.0%. The primary motive for accepting COVID-19 immunization was to protect the fetus, followed by the protection of one's own health. A significant association was found between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and the level of education, socio-economic status, and presence of comorbidities. The leading causes for vaccine reluctance were concerns about the efficacy and safety of the vaccines and lack of awareness about their usage during pregnancy. Conclusion(s): Multifaceted activities are required to promote the effectiveness and safety profile of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as disseminate knowledge about its usage during pregnancy. Clinical significance: Unlike numerous other studies that have investigated the accepting attitude only, the present one has investigated the actual COVID-19 vaccine uptake among the obstetric population.Copyright © The Author(s).
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Aim: The specific aim of the study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nursing faculty experiences.Background: Academic nursing experiences were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is concern that the resulting stress threatens nursing faculty emotional well-being and reason to burnout.Method: A descriptive, quantitative study was conducted;exploring faculty academic and clinical roles during the COVID-19 pandemic by using structured, self designed, open-ended questionnaire to 401 institutionally attached nursing health professionals. The questionnaire includes various domains including Safety and Health, Challenges for teaching, clinical practise, supervision perception of institutional support provided;faculty burnout, satisfaction, and well-being.Results: Overall satisfaction with the working environment in the institutions with respect to total teaching experience showed a significant statistical. Participants perceived support from academic institutions and increased need to provide emotional support to students.Conclusion: Nursing faculty are essential to the profession. Nursing faculty require proactive and sustained institutional and personal support to provide exceptional ongoing education, build resilience, and support students.
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Objective: COVID-19 caused a deleterious impact on the health care system globally.The roll out of vaccines seems to be the only effective way to curtail the spread of disease.The purpose of this study is to assess the dermatological adverse effect of post COVID-19vaccination on a gender basis. Methodology: This was an observational,cross-sectional,questionnaire-based survey conducted in Pakistan.The sample comprises 518 participants. The questionnaire was self-designed. The trial lasted six months, from August 1, 2022, until January 31, 2023. We used a non-probability sampling technique.Dermatological adverse effects like burning pain, redness, rashes, and lymphadenopathy at the injection site were recorded.Fever was also noted. All the participants have received booster shots or double doses of any one of CCOVID-19 vaccines, such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sinovac, Sinopharm,Pakvac, etc. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Qualitative data was reported as frequency and percentage, and quantitativedata was reported as standard deviation and mean. Result(s): The study included 518 subjects, of whom 262 were males and 256 were females. The mean age of male is 42.70+/-14.05 years and female is 39.04+/-14.6years with a significant difference observed between them (p=0.004). The most common complaint among dermatological adverse effects after first was pain. 106(40.5%) male and 132(51.6%) female reported painwith a significant difference observed between them (p=0.011) followed by swelling which was reported by 92(35.1%) males and 120(46.9%) females with a significant difference observed between them (p=0.006).Burning was reported in 92(35.1%) male and 148(57.8%) female with a significant difference observed between them(p<0.001). Fever was also quite commonly reported in both male 116(44.3%) and female 178(69.5%) with significantdifference observed between them (p<0.001),Likewise post 2nd dose of vaccination, pain was most commonly noted in 90(34.4%) male and female 124(48.4%) female with significant difference observed between them (p=0.001). Moreover, burning was reported by 80(30.5%) malesand 132(51.6%) females with a significant difference observed between them (p<0.001). rashes were reported by76(29.0%) males and 100(39.1%) females with a significant difference observed between them (p=0.016), lymphadenopathy was also significantly associated with genders, (p<0.001). Conclusion(s): This study concluded that the burning pain,redness,rashes,and lymphadenopathywere the most prevalent side effects in male and female post 1st and 2ndCOVID-19 vaccination.Furthermore fever was also reported in majority of subjects.In addition to this higher percentage of side effects were recorded in females as comparedto males.Copyright © 2023 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.
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This study compares the serological antibody level post-COVID-19 vaccine among healthy subjects and psychiatric patients on antidepressant therapy. It also examines the difference in antidepressants' side effects experienced by psychiatric patients following the completion of two vaccine doses. A comparative posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted among healthy subjects and psychiatric patients on antidepressant medication in a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay was used to detect the antibody titre between weeks 4 and 12 post vaccination. The antidepressant side-effect checklist (ASEC) was used to monitor the occurrence of antidepressant-related side effects pre-and post-vaccination. 24 psychiatric patients and 26 healthy subjects were included. There was no significant difference in the antibody level between the patients (median = 1509 u/ml) and the healthy subjects (median = 995 u/ml). There was no significant worsening in the antidepressant-related side effects. The antibody level post-COVID-19 vaccine did not differ significantly between patients on antidepressant therapy and healthy subjects. Additionally, there was no change in the antidepressant side effects experienced by the patients following the completion of the vaccine.Copyright © 2022, Research Trends (P) LTD.. All rights reserved.
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Objective: To assess the course of COVID-19 infections and the tolerability of the mRNA vaccines of Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech and the viral vector vaccines from Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson in adult patients with epilepsy (PWE). Method(s): From July 2020 to July 2021, we consecutively included adult outpatients with confirmed epilepsy. These PWE were interviewed about COVID-19 infections and vaccinations. Results of follow-up visits were added until the cut-off date (December 31, 2021). The data of COVID-19-infected without vaccinations or fully vaccinated PWE without COVID-19 infections were analyzed. Full vaccination was defined as a double vaccination with the Pfizer/BionTech, Moderna, or Astra Zeneca vaccines or a single Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Result(s): At cut-off, 612 of 1152 PWE fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 51 PWE had been infected without vaccination and 561 had full vaccination without infection. Among the infected PWE, 76.5% presented with symptoms;9.8% had a severe course (one death). The leading symptoms were influenza-like disorders (48.7% of infected PWE with symptoms), anosmia (28.2%), and ageusia (20.5%). Seizure increases or relapses after sustained seizure freedom occurred in 7.8%. Adverse events (AEs) were reported by 113 vaccinated PWE (20.1% of all vaccinated PWE). The leading AEs were fatigue, fever, and headache. The AE rate per vaccine was 14.0% for Pfizer/BionTech, 32.7% for Moderna, 25.8% for Astra Zeneca, and 46.2% for Johnson & Johnson. Of the AEs, 93.3% lasted <=1 week. Seizure increase or relapse occurred in 1.4% and was significantly less frequent than in the infected group (p= 0.0016). Conclusion(s): The course of COVID-19 infections and the tolerability of the vaccines were similar as in the general population, yet, seizure worsening occurred more often after the infection than after the vaccination.Copyright © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, part of Springer Nature.
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The necessity for portable cooling devices to prevent thermal-related diseases in workers wearing protective clothing in hot outdoor weather conditions, such as COVID-19 quarantine sites, is increasing. Coolers for such purposes require a compact design and low-power consumption characteristics to maximize wearability and operating time. Therefore, a thermoelectric device based on the Peltier effect has been widely used rather than a relatively bulky system based on a refrigeration cycle accompanying the phase change of a refrigerant. Despite a number of previous experimental and numerical studies on the Peltier cooling device, there remains much research to be conducted on the effect and removal of motor-related internal heat sources deteriorating the cooling performance. Specifically, this paper presents thermo-electro-fluidic simulations on the impact of heat from an air blower on the coefficient of performance of a Peltier cooler. In addition, a numerical study on the outcome of heat source removal is also evaluated and discussed to draw an improved design of the cooler in terms of cooling capacity and coefficient of performance. The simulation results predicted that the coefficient of performance could be raised by 10.6% due to the suppression of heat generation from a blower motor. Accordingly, the cooling capacity of the specific Peltier cooler investigated in this study was expected to be considerably improved by 80.6% from 4.68 W to 8.45 W through the design change.
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Introduction: COVID pneumonia can lead to pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax during non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation. This affects the prognosis. Methodology: During the study period, 121 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections and invasive or non-invasive ventilation therapy were recorded in our hospital. All patients with a pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum were analyzed in more detail. Result(s): Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum occurred in 12 patients and resulted in 7 deaths. Discussion(s): The incidence of pneumothorax with COVID infection ranges from 0.56 to 1%, reaching 3.5% in our own studies and 4.2% under invasive mechanical ventilation. The incidence of pneumomediastinum was 10% and 9.2% in our own patients. Overall mortality was 58.3% and similar to that reported in the literature, up to 60%.Copyright © 2023 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle.