Search results for "VIRUS DISEASE"

Parvovirus B19 Genotype Specific Amino Acid Substitution in NS1 Reduces the Protein's Cytotoxicity in Culture

2010

A clinical association between idiopathic liver disease and parvovirus B19 infection has been observed. Fulminant liver failure, not associated with other liver-tropic viruses, has been attributed to B19 in numerous reports, suggesting a possible role for B19 components in the extensive hepatocyte cytotoxicity observed in this condition. A recent report by Abe and colleagues (Int J Med Sci. 2007;4:105-9) demonstrated a link between persistent parvovirus B19 genotype I and III infection and fulminant liver failure. The genetic analysis of isolates obtained from these patients demonstrated a conservation of key amino acids in the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of the disease-associated genotyp…

Genotyping of a nosocomial outbreak of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009

2011

Background: Epidemiological surveys have revealed outbreaks of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in several different contexts. Molecular characterization of the influenza virus could help to provide a more accurate description of these outbreaks. Objective: To genotype pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 isolates from an epidemiologically defined nosocomial outbreak. Study design: We sequenced the neuraminidase (NA) and hemagglutinin (HA) influenza A (H1N1) 2009 genes from ten HIV-positive patients involved in an epidemiologically defined outbreak in the Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (CMID) Department. Sequences were aligned to search for specific genetic features of the involv…

Population Mobility Patterns and Monitoring of COVID-19 Restriction Measures in Latvia

2021

Modelling the spatial-temporal progression of the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza pandemic in Chile

2016

A spatial-temporal transmission model of 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic influenza across Chile, a country that spans a large latitudinal range, is developed to characterize the spatial variation in peak timing of that pandemic as a function of local transmission rates, spatial connectivity assumptions for Chilean regions, and the putative location of introduction of the novel virus into the country. Specifically, a metapopulation SEIR (susceptible-exposed-infected-removed) compartmental model that tracks the transmission dynamics of influenza in 15 Chilean regions is calibrated. The model incorporates population mobility among neighboring regions and indirect mobility to and from other regions via th…

Research note: The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on scientific work in German sociology

2021

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific work is highly affected by the governments’ measures taken to reduce the spread of the virus. With closing colleges, universities, and kindergartens, scientists had to adapt to new forms of working procedures. Immediately after the peak of the first COVID-19 wave in Germany, we surveyed in professors and postdoctoral researchers in the field of German sociology in May 2020 to investigate how their work is constrained by these measures. In this research note, we present the results of this survey. They show that the position in the sociological field as well as demographic factors affect the degree to which sociologists feel constraine…

Response: Frailty Assessment in the Covid-19 Pandemic

2020

Dear Editor, We would like to thank Ng Cheong Chung and colleagues for their important comment on our recent manuscript demonstrating the ability of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) to predict the need for mechanical ventilation and duration of hospital stays in German patients with COVID-19.1 The authors raise important points and we take the opportunity to respond herein.2 Frailty is a complex condition that is characterized by the loss of functional reserve as well as a decline in cognitive function. The development of frailty in a patient is multifaceted—including body constitution and even …

Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Spanish University Students: Role of Gender

2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, entire populations were instructed to live in home-confinement to prevent the expansion of the disease. Spain was one of the countries with the strictest conditions, as outdoor physical activity was banned for nearly two months. This study aimed to analyse the changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours in Spanish university students before and during the confinement by COVID-19 with special focus on gender. We also analysed enjoyment, the tools used and motivation and impediments for doing physical activity. An online questionnaire, which included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and certain &ldquo

Impact of mobility restrictions on active aging; cross-sectional associations and longitudinal changes parallel to COVID-19 restrictions

2021

Background: Meaningful activities can be done in or around home, but opportunities for participation and active aging decrease when moving in smaller areas. Active aging refers to having an active approach to life in line with one's goals, ability and opportunities. In adults over 75 years with different baseline neighborhood mobility levels, we studied active aging scores two years prior to and amid COVID-19, when governments restricted mobility of residents to slow the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: AGNES cohort data were collected in 2017-2018 and spring 2020. Individuals were queried about their will, ability, and opportunity, and extent of doing 17 activities, and subsequently, item, comp…

Underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review

2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic older subjects have been disproportionately affected by the disease. Vaccination is a fundamental intervention to prevent the negative consequences of COVID-19, but it is not known if the needs and vulnerabilities of older people are adequately addressed by their inclusion in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of vaccines for COVID-19. Given this background, we aimed to evaluate if current and ongoing phase II-III RCTs evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines included a representative sample of older people. A systematic literature search in PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed until May 01st, 2021. Among 474 abstracts initially…

Use of walking modifications, perceived walking difficulty and changes in outdoor mobility among community-dwelling older people during COVID-19 rest…

2021

Abstract Background Outdoor mobility enables participation in essential out-of-home activities in old age. Aim To compare changes in different aspects of outdoor mobility during COVID-19 restrictions versus two years before according to self-reported walking. Methods Community-dwelling participants of AGNES study (2017–2018, initial age 75–85) responded to AGNES-COVID-19 postal survey in spring 2020 (N = 809). Life-space mobility, autonomy in participation outdoors, and self-reported physical activity were assessed at both time points and differences according to self-reported walking modifications and difficulty vs. intact walking at baseline were analyzed. Results Life-space mobility and …