scholarly journals Clinical Characteristics of Healthcare Workers with SARS-CoV-2 Infection after Vaccination with BNT162b2 Vaccine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Lombardi ◽  
Giulia Renisi ◽  
Dario Consonni ◽  
Massimo Oggioni ◽  
Patrizia Bono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Secondary Immunodeficiency ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Cycle ◽  
Taste And Smell ◽  
Fondazione Irccs

Abstract Background: The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has hardly affected the entire world. Vaccines against COVID-19 appear as a tool able to curb out the mortality and to reduce the circulation of the virus. Little is known so far about the clinical characteristics of individuals who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection after having received the vaccination, as well as the temporal relationship between vaccine administration and symptoms onset.Methods: Retrospective cohort study among the healthcare workers (HCWs) of the Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milano, vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection (documented through positive RT-PCR on NPSs). Results: Overall, we have identified 15 HCWs with SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, 7 (46.7%) of them were male and the mean age was 38.4 years (SD 14). In 4 of them the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapside (anti-N) antibodies was assessed before vaccination and resulted positive in 1 case. In all HCWs the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (anti-S1) antibodies was assessed, in average 42.2 days after the completion of vaccination, with a mean value of 2,055 U/mL (SD 1,927.3). SARS-CoV-2 infection was ascertained in average 56.2 days after vaccination. The mean cycle threshold (Ct) of SARS-CoV-2 PCR was 26.4, the lineage was characterized in 9 HCWs. None of the HCWs reported a primary or secondary immunodeficiency. Regarding symptoms, they were reported only by 7 (46.7%) HCWs and appeared on average 55 days after the second dose of vaccination. Of those who reported symptoms, one (14.3%) had fever, 7 (100%) rhinitis/conjunctivitis, 4 (57.1%) taste and smell alterations, none had respiratory symptoms, 4 headache/arthralgia (57.1%) and 1 gastrointestinal symptoms (14.3%). All symptoms disappeared in a few days and no other unclassified symptoms were reported.Conclusions: Infections occurring after vaccination with BNT162b2 vaccine are mostly asymptomatic and are not associated with the serum titre of anti-S1 antibodies. We did not find a predominance of a specific viral variants, with several lineages represented.

Cardiopulmonary support during electrophysiological procedures for ventricular tachycardias not haemodynamically tolerated

Perfusion ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Zanobini ◽  
Fabiana Rossi ◽  
Antonella Bertera ◽  
Stefania Sandano ◽  
Cristina Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Pressure ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Support ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Electrophysiological Procedures ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Cycle ◽  
Ventricular Tachycardias ◽  
The University ◽  
Support Time

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (CPS) for circulatory assistance during electrophysiological endocavitary procedures for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in high-risk patients. From January to June 1999, eight patients with VT not haemodynamically tolerated, underwent an electrophysiological mapping and ablation while supported with percutaneous CPS in the cardiac surgery service of the University of Milan. The CPS system allowed for the maintenance of an arterial pressure of 60-70 mmHg during the tachycardia episodes. CPS was used for 10-20 min periods to restore haemodynamic stability. With the haemodynamic support of CPS, it was possible to target and induce 21 VTs, with a mean cycle of 325 ms. The mean support time was 140 min (120 - 160 min). Stabilization of the arterial pressure at a mean value of 65 mmHg (55 - 85 mHg) was achieved over a mean period of 26 seconds. Oxygen saturation remained over 90% throughout the support for all patients, with no blood gas or electrolyte abnormalities. No CPB-related complications were observed. In conclusion, percutaneous CPS guarantees effective haemodynamic support during mapping and ablation of VTs not haemodynamically tolerated, with no complications related to the extracorporeal circulation or the cannulation.

scholarly journals Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with COVID-19 in Arak, Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 712-717
Author(s):  
Morteza Mousavi-Hasanzadeh ◽  
Hossein Sarmadian ◽  
Fatemeh Safi ◽  
Mohammad Jamalian ◽  
Amir Almasi-Hashiani
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mixed Ground ◽  
Taste And Smell ◽  
Muscle Ache

Background: The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is increasing. Here we present the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in Arak, Iran. Methods: In this study, 139 COVID-19 confirmed cases from 15 February to 15 March 2020 in Arak, Iran, were investigated. The clinical signs, symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings and outcomes were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 55.41 years (S.D.: 17.11) and 55.40% of them were males. 26.81% of patients had recently traveled to other epidemic cities. The most common clinical manifestations were fever (71.64%), cough (67.16%), shortness of breath (55.22%), muscle ache (50.00%) and the most prevalent complications were taste and smell disruption (29.5%), weakness (22.3%), anorexia (20.1%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (15.8%). Almost half of the patients had lymphopenia, an elevated level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C - reactive protein (CRP). In terms of outcome, 9.3% of patients needed an ICU admission as a result of ARDS in which 15.32% were directly admitted to the ICU. 43.2% of patients have been discharged and the case fatality rate (CFR) was estimated as 11.5%. Conclusion: COVID-19 pneumonia usually occurred at an age older than 50 years and in the male gender. The most common initial clinical laboratories and radiological presentations are fever, cough, lymphopenia with elevated CRP and ESR and Bilateral mixed ground-glass opacities with consolidation.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Hepatic Biochemical Parameters during Antiviral Treatment in COVID-19 Patients

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Felicia Marc ◽  
Corina Moldovan ◽  
Anica Hoza ◽  
Patricia Restea ◽  
Liliana Sachelarie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Normal Values ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Antigen Test ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Medicine Department ◽  
Liver Parameters ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
The Mean

(1) Background: The antiviral treatment for COVID-19 disease started to be largely used in 2020 and has been found to be efficient, although it is not specific for SARS-CoV-2 virus. There were some concerns that it may produce liver damage or other side effects. (2) Methods: The aim of this study was to observe if antiviral therapy is affecting liver parameters or producing other side-effects in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 disease. The study included a group of patients hospitalized in the internal medicine department of Oradea Municipal Clinical Hospital, Romania, between August 2020–June 2021, diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 viral infection by RT-PCR method or rapid antigen test. During hospitalization, patients were treated with a Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra) combination, or with Favipiravir or Remdesivir. In addition to monitoring the evolution of the disease (clinical and biochemical), also hepatic parameters were analyzed at admission, during hospitalization, and at discharge. (3) Results: In the group of studied patients, the mean value of aspartat aminotrensferase did not increase above normal at discharge, alanin aminotransferase increased, but below twice the normal values, and cholestasis registered a statistically insignificant slight increase. (4) Conclusions: In our study, we found that all three antivirals were generally well tolerated and their use did not alter liver function in a significant manner.

scholarly journals Anxiety in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-17
Author(s):  
Marija Lazarević
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Emotional Reaction ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Beck Anxiety Inventory ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
The City

Objective. At the time of a pandemic, anxiety is a common occurrence in those persons who are exposed to direct contact with the patients or the possibility of the same. The aim of the study was to determine the degree of anxiety among medical workers employed in the city of Loznica and suburban municipalities, at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. Anxiety in 120 adult health workers (36 males, 84 females, 25-65 years old) at the time of the pandemic was assessed based on the value of Beck Anxiety Inventory for determining the degree of anxiety, which was sent electronically to all respondents in the days of the epidemic increase and peak in the number of patients infected with COVID-19 virus. The results. The analysis of the results yielded a mean value of the Beck Anxiety Inventory for the assessment of fear and anxiety of 6.82 (standard deviation, 7.49, range 0-39), which is a state of anxiety without clinical significance. There were no statistically significant differences of the mean Beck Anxiety Inventory values between study subgroups based on subjects' gender (p=0.32), age (p=0.96) and education (p=0.06) categories. Conclusion. The paper presents the emotional reaction of health workers in the city of Loznica and suburban municipalities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was determined that the anxiety reaction is not present in a significant form, and the most common psychosomatic reactions that occur at the peak of a pandemic are presented.

scholarly journals Detection of Citrus Bent Leaf Viroid in Citrus Orchards of Sargodha, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-163
Author(s):  
Faheema Bakhtawar ◽  
◽  
Yasir Iftikhar ◽  
Muhammad Ahmed Zeshan ◽  
Muhammad Imran Hamid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Specific Primers ◽  
Citrus Orchards ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Citrus Varieties ◽  
Near Future ◽  
First Time

A study was conducted to monitor the Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd) in citrus growing areas of district Sargodha, Pakistan during 2017-2018. Collected samples were tested by RT-PCR using specific primers. PCR positive samples were used to confirm the CBLVd incidence and severity on different citrus varieties grown at different regions of Sargodha. Maximum disease incidence was recorded in Kot Momin with the mean value of 24%, with severe symptoms of bark cracking, backward leaf bent and stunting. Minimum disease incidence was recorded in in Sillanwali region with the mean value of 3.33%. The symptoms in Sillanwali were only yellowing and slight leaf bent. Maximum severity was observed in Kot momin (0.60%). Molecular detection of CBLVd by RT-PCR confirmed the diagnosis of the viroid. This survey was carried out for the first time in Sargodha district to monitor the occurrence of citrus bent leaf viroid following the first report of its detection in Pakistan in 2009. Since many declining citrus trees were found negative to CBLVd testing, other causal agents can be involved, and extensive surveys are still required in the near future. Keywords: Citrus, RT-PCR, CBLVd, Disease incidence, viroid, Sargodha, Pakistan

scholarly journals Detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in gargle, spit and sputum specimens

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henna Mäkelä ◽  
Eero Poukka ◽  
Lotta Hagberg ◽  
Thuan Vo ◽  
Hanna Nohynek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
P Value ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Ct Value ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Mean Cycle ◽  
Alternative Specimen ◽  
Collection Methods

The gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis is RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal specimen (NPS). Its collection involves a close contact between patients and healthcare workers requiring a significant amount of workforce and putting them at risk of infection. We evaluated self-collection of alternative specimens and compared their sensitivity and Ct values to NPS. We visited acute COVID-19 outpatients to collect concomitant nasopharyngeal and gargle specimens and had patients self-collect a gargle and either sputum or spit specimens on the next morning. We included 40 patients and collected 40 concomitant nasopharyngeal and gargle specimens, as well as 40 gargle, 22 spit and 16 sputum specimens on the next day, as 2 patients could not produce sputum. All specimens were as sensitive as NPS. Gargle specimens had a sensitivity of 0.97 (CI 95% 0.92-1,00), whether collected concomitantly to NPS or on the next morning. Next morning spit and sputum specimens showed a sensitivity of 1.00 CI (95% 1.00-1.00) and 0.94 (CI 95% 0.87-1.00), respectively. The gargle specimens had a significantly higher mean cycle threshold (Ct) values, 29.89 (SD 4.63) (p-value <0.001) and 29.25 (SD 3.99) (p-value <0.001) when collected concomitantly and on the next morning compared to NPS (22.07, SD 4.63). Ct value obtained with spit (23.51, SD 4.57, p-value 0.11) and sputum (25.82, SD 9.21, p-value 0.28) specimens were close to NPS. All alternative specimen collection methods were as sensitive as NPS, but spit collection appeared more promising, with a low Ct value and ease of collection. Our findings warrant further investigation.

scholarly journals Appropriate Number of Observations to Determine Hand Hygiene Compliance Among Healthcare Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s64-s64
Author(s):  
Se Yoon Park ◽  
Eunjung Lee ◽  
Suyeon Park ◽  
Tae Hyong Kim ◽  
Sungho Won
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Hand Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Health Organization

Background: We sought to determine the minimum number of observations needed to determine hand hygiene (HH) compliance among healthcare workers. Methods: The study was conducted at a referral hospital. We retrospectively analyzed the result of HH monitoring from January to December 2018. HH compliance was calculated by dividing the number of observed HH actions by the total number of opportunities. Appropriate HH compliance rates were calculated based on the 6-step technique, modified from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation. The minimum number of required observations (n) was calculated by the following equation using overall mean value (r), absolute precision (d), and confidence interval (1-α) [The equation: n3 Zα/22×ρ×1-ρ/d2]. We considered ds of 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, with CIs of 99%, 95%, and 90%, respectively. Among the various cases, we focused on 10% for d and 95% for CI. Results: During the study period, 8,791 opportunities among 1,168 healthcare workers were monitored. The mean HH compliance and appropriate HH compliance rates were 80.3% and 59.7%, respectively (Table 1). The minimum number of observations required to determine HH compliance rates ranged from 2 (d, 30%; CI, 90%) to 624 (d, 5%; CI, 99%), and the minimum number of observations for optimal HH compliance ranged from 5 (d, 30%, CI, 90%) to 642 (d, 5%; CI, 99%) (Figure 1). At 10% absolute precision with 95% confidence, the minimum number of observations to determine HH and optimal HH compliance were 61 and 92, respectively. Conclusions: The minimum number of observations to determine HH compliance varies widely according to setting, but at least 5 were needed to determine optimal HH compliance.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in children at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases in Children-Skopje

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Таtjana Jakovska Mareti ◽  
Angelcho Andonovski ◽  
Eli Stojanova ◽  
Biljana Kakaraskoska-Boceska
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Pulmonary Diseases ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Polymerase Chain

The aim of the paper was to evaluate clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in children and the success of the treatment. Material and methods: The study included 218 pediatric patients suspected for COVID-19 hospitalized at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases in Children-Skopje, during the period from 16th of March to 19th of June 2020. All patients were tested for presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in nasopharyngeal swab with real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the Institute of Public Health of Republic of North Macedonia. Clinical symptoms, X-ray and laboratory findings were included in the study. Results: From 218 hospitalized patients, only 9 (4.13%) were positive for COVID-19 and 59% of them were males. Infants, with moderate pulmonary disease were 44.4% of the patients. Fever and gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 66.6% and 22.2% of the children, respectively. Macrolides were therapy of choice in 88% of the treated patients, 77% received intravenous therapy, 33% were on inhaled bronchodilator. Conclusions: A small number of children had COVID-19. All infected children were with mild to moderate pulmonary symptoms and reacted satisfactory to the treatment. However, the importance of transmitting the virus and influence over children’s health remains uncertain.

Long-period modulated superstructures in Pd-12.5 at.%Ce and Pd-15 at.%Ce alloys

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 164-165
Author(s):  
Noriyuki Kuwano ◽  
Masaru Itakura ◽  
Kensuke Oki
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Heavy Elements ◽  
Arc Furnace ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Ultra High Purity ◽  
Heat Treated ◽  
Atomic Scattering ◽  
The Mean

Pd-Ce alloys exhibit various anomalies in physical properties due to mixed valences of Ce, and the anomalies are thought to be strongly related with the crystal structures. Since Pd and Ce are both heavy elements, relative magnitudes of (fcc-fpd) are so small compared with <f> that superlattice reflections, even if any, sometimes cannot be detected in conventional x-ray powder patterns, where fee and fpd are atomic scattering factors of Ce and Pd, and <f> the mean value in the crystal. However, superlattices in Pd-Ce alloys can be analyzed by electron microscopy, thanks to the high detectability of electron diffraction. In this work, we investigated modulated superstructures in alloys with 12.5 and 15.0 at.%Ce.Ingots of Pd-Ce alloys were prepared in an arc furnace under atmosphere of ultra high purity argon. The disc specimens cut out from the ingots were heat-treated in vacuum and electrothinned to electron transparency by a jet method.

Partition Coefficient Ratios and Tumour Perfusion Studied with 85mKr and 133Xe

1987 ◽  
Vol 26 (06) ◽  
pp. 253-257
Author(s):  
M. Mäntylä ◽  
J. Perkkiö ◽  
J. Heikkonen
Keyword(s):  
Partition Coefficient ◽  
Partition Coefficients ◽  
Regional Blood Flow ◽  
Blood Perfusion ◽  
Compartmental Analysis ◽  
Malignant Tumour ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Perfusion Rate ◽  
Biological Variables ◽  
The Mean

The relative partition coefficients of krypton and xenon, and the regional blood flow in 27 superficial malignant tumour nodules in 22 patients with diagnosed tumours were measured using the 85mKr- and 133Xe-clearance method. In order to minimize the effect of biological variables on the measurements the radionuclides were injected simultaneously into the tumour. The distribution of the radiotracers was assumed to be in equilibrium at the beginning of the experiment. The blood perfusion was calculated by fitting a two-exponential function to the measuring points. The mean value of the perfusion rate calculated from the xenon results was 13 ± 10 ml/(100 g-min) [range 3 to 38 ml/(100 g-min)] and from the krypton results 19 ± 11 ml/(100 g-min) [range 5 to 45 ml/(100 g-min)]. These values were obtained, if the partition coefficients are equal to one. The equations obtained by using compartmental analysis were used for the calculation of the relative partition coefficient of krypton and xenon. The partition coefficient of krypton was found to be slightly smaller than that of xenon, which may be due to its smaller molecular weight.

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