Articles: pandemics.
-
Observational Study
Evaluation of short-term adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines: An observational study.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are the most effective tools in managing the pandemic. However, the concern about these vaccines is the occurrence of unwanted adverse events (AEs). This study aimed to evaluate the short-term AEs of COVID-19 vaccines (Sputnik V, Astrazenka, and Sinopharm). ⋯ All 3 vaccines were safe and tolerable. The most commonly reported AEs were injection site pain (local) and fatigue and lethargy (systemic). These expected AEs occurred shortly after vaccination and indicated an early immune response after vaccination.
-
Adjuvants may enhance the efficacy of vaccines. however, the efficacy of adjuvant-associated COVID-19 vaccines (ACVs) remains unclear since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to address this gap by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of ACVs against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 CoV (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOC). ⋯ In this meta-analysis, it should be that full vaccination with ACVs has high efficacy against Alpha or Gamma variants and moderate efficacy against Beta and Delta variants. Notably, with the exception of the aluminum-adjuvanted vaccine, the other ACVs had moderate to high efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 variant. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of ACVs booster vaccinations against Omicron.
-
Depression is a public mental health problem that can progress to suicidal ideation, literature suggests regular physical activity may ameliorate it. The study assessed the link between physical activity and depression symptoms during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Academic Staff Union (ASU) strike among undergraduates. Four hundred and eighteen undergraduates were recruited and participated in the study. ⋯ This suggests that a high PA level is associated with lower depression symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ASU strike experiences resulted in increased depression among undergraduates. The university administration needs to formulate an urgent policy to promote PA among undergraduates and provide treatment for the affected students.
-
J Neurosurg Anesthesiol · Feb 2024
Assessment and Recommendations for Website Platforms of Neuroanesthesiology Fellowship Programs.
Websites serve as recruitment and educational tools for many fellowship programs, including neuroanesthesiology. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, when interviews, conferences, and institutional visits were moved online, websites have become more important for applicants when deciding on their preferred fellowship program. This study evaluated the content of the websites of neuroanesthesiology fellowship programs. ⋯ Important information was missing from most of the 42 evaluated neuroanesthesiology fellowship program websites, potentially hindering applicants from making informed choices about their career plans.