Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Melissa R. Riester, Elliott Bosco, Barbara H. Bardenheier, Patience Moyo, Rosa R. Baier, Melissa Eliot, Joe B. Silva, Stefan Gravenstein, Robertus van Aalst, Ayman Chit, Matthew M. Loiacono, Andrew R. Zullo
Summary: This study quantified how observable characteristics contribute to influenza vaccination disparities among White, Black, and Hispanic nursing home residents, finding that living in a predominantly White facility and proxies for nursing home quality were important contributors to these disparities. Further research is needed to explore potential unmeasured contributors, such as nursing home staff attitudes and beliefs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yating You, Xiaoheng Li, Binglin Chen, Xuan Zou, Gang Liu, Xinxin Han
Summary: A cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults in southern China to investigate their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards influenza virus and vaccination. The results showed that 55.6% of participants had received influenza vaccination before and 46.6% had taken influenza vaccination during the pandemic in 2020. Only one-fifth of participants were aware of the severe complications that can occur with severe influenza. 88.3% of participants believed that older adults should receive influenza vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination history was associated with receiving influenza vaccination. Efforts should be made to promote free influenza vaccination and improve KAP among older adults through regular health education events.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hector Garcia-Hernandez, Judith Zarate-Ramirez, Ashuin Kammar-Garcia, Carmen Garcia-Pena
Summary: This study aimed to estimate vaccine coverage in Mexican adults aged 65 years and older and analyze factors related to vaccine uptake. The results showed that tetanus and diphtheria vaccines had the highest coverage, while pneumococcal vaccine had the lowest coverage. Overall vaccine coverage decreased over time. Having a National Health Card, morbidity, beneficiary of any health system institution, and use of preventive services increased the probability of vaccine uptake.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Simone J. C. F. M. Moorlag, Esther Taks, Thijs ten Doesschate, Thomas W. van der Vaart, Axel B. Janssen, Lisa Mueller, Philipp Ostermann, Helga Dijkstra, Heidi Lemmers, Elles Simonetti, Marc Mazur, Heiner Schaal, Rob ter Heine, Frank L. van de Veerdonk, Chantal P. Bleeker-Rovers, Reinout van Crevel, Jaap ten Oever, Marien de Jonge, Marc J. Bonten, Cornelis H. van Werkhoven, Mihai G. Netea
Summary: This study found that BCG vaccination had no significant effect in preventing respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, in older adults. However, it was found that individuals who received the BCG vaccine had stronger antibody responses after COVID-19 infection.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Qiushuang Li, Minyi Zhang, Hongbiao Chen, Fei Wu, Juxian Xian, Liting Zheng, Minyi Liang, He Cao, Xiaofeng Zhou, Zihao Gu, Qihui Lin, Qing Chen
Summary: The study revealed that only 4.7% of older adults with hypertension in Shenzhen had received the influenza vaccine in the latest season. Factors associated with higher likelihood of vaccination included older age, higher education level, having a partner, having a family doctor, and undergoing regular physical examinations. Conversely, smokers were less likely to be vaccinated.
Article
Immunology
Barbara H. Bardenheier, Rosa R. Baier, Joe B. Silva, Stefan Gravenstein, Patience Moyo, Elliott Bosco, Jessica Ogarek, Robertus van Aalst, Ayman Chit, Matthew Loiacono, Andrew R. Zullo
Summary: The study found that the White-Black gap in influenza vaccination among US NH residents during the 2018-2019 season was 9.9 percentage points, with racial inequities being more prominent at the facility level than at the state level and most concentrated in the Midwestern region.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Celeste J. Romano, Clinton Hall, Zeina G. Khodr, Anna T. Bukowinski, Gia R. Gumbs, Ava Marie S. Conlin
Summary: This study examined the association between receiving pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) vaccines in consecutive influenza seasons and adverse pregnancy outcomes among vaccine-compliant pregnant military women. The results showed no significant association between receiving pH1N1-containing vaccine during pregnancy and spontaneous abortion or birth defects. Therefore, vaccination against pH1N1 in pregnancy is supported regardless of prior influenza season vaccination history.
Review
Nursing
Binbin Yong, Rongjin Lin, Huimin Xiao
Summary: This systematic review examined the factors associated with adjustment to living in a care facility and identified six distinct categories of related factors. The study suggests taking into account decision-making control, self-efficacy, social support, activities of daily living, and length of stay when assisting residents with relocation to a nursing home. Further research in multiple areas can help improve nursing home adjustment, interventions, and health policies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Selma Cvijetic, Irena Keser, Dario Boschiero, Jasminka Z. Ilich
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition and prevalence of osteosarcopenic adiposity (OSA) in nursing home residents (NHR) and to assess their nutritional status. The findings revealed a high prevalence of OSA and poor nutritional status in the NHR population. The study also showed a strong association between osteosarcopenic adiposity and malnutrition/risk of malnutrition in this population.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Seong Uk Son, Eun-Kyung Lim, Soojin Jang, Jaewoo Lim, Seung Beom Seo, Taejoon Kang, Juyeon Jung, Seo Yeong Oh, Sun-Woo Yoon, Dongeun Yong, Jaejong Lee
Summary: The study developed a conductive thread-based immunosensor to easily detect airborne viruses, which is important in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kyra D. Zens, Vasiliki Baroutsou, Jan S. Fehr, Phung Lang
Summary: Pneumococcal vaccination coverage is low in Switzerland, especially among individuals with predisposing health risks. At-risk individuals are aware of their increased risk but feel they do not have enough information on the topic or have not been recommended a vaccination by their physician.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Graham Pawelec, Janet McElhaney
Summary: The rapid development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines have shown high efficacy in older adults, potentially leading to a paradigm shift in understanding the impact of immunosenescence on vaccination against novel infectious diseases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yanling Chen, Bo Chen, Xiaolin Shen, Aiping Zhou, Yan Liang, Ying Wang, Hong Chen
Summary: The vaccination rates for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are low among SLE patients in Southwest China. The main concerns for non-vaccination are the fear of disease exacerbation or adverse events caused by vaccines and a lack of awareness of vaccine availability. However, a majority of patients are willing to be vaccinated, primarily influenced by concerns about infection and belief in the efficacy of vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jonathan T. Macy, Christopher Owens, Kristina Mullis, Susan E. Middlestadt
Summary: This study utilized the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) to investigate beliefs underlying older adults' decision to stay home, finding significant associations with injunctive norms and self-efficacy for intention to stay home. The study suggests three public health intervention targets to enhance older adults' ability to stay home and address important people's opinions on staying at home.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nicola Vousden, Marian Knight
Summary: Influenza during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of hospital admission, and there is variability in policies and uptake of immunization globally. Immunization is cost-effective and safe in preventing influenza in pregnant women and their infants.
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Lu Lu, Bobo Wing-Yee Mok, Lin-Lei Chen, Jacky Man-Chun Chan, Owen Tak-Yin Tsang, Bosco Hoi-Shiu Lam, Vivien Wai-Man Chuang, Allen Wing-Ho Chu, Wan-Mui Chan, Jonathan Daniel Ip, Brian Pui-Chun Chan, Ruiqi Zhang, Cyril Chik-Yan Yip, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, Kwok-Hung Chan, Dong-Yan Jin, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Honglin Chen, Kelvin Kai-Wang To
Summary: Immune sera from BNT162b2 and Coronavac recipients showed reduced neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant. The presence of the spike R346K mutation did not affect the neutralization susceptibility.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Eric Yuk Fai Wan, Celine Sze Ling Chui, Vanessa Wai Sei Ng, Yuan Wang, Vincent Ka Chun Yan, Ivan Chun Hang Lam, Min Fan, Francisco Tsz Tsun Lai, Esther Wai Yin Chan, Xue Li, Carlos King Ho Wong, Raccoon Ka Cheong Chung, Benjamin John Cowling, Wing Chi Fong, Alexander Yuk Lun Lau, Vincent Chung Tong Mok, Frank Ling Fung Chan, Cheuk Kwong Lee, Lot Sze Tao Chan, Dawin Lo, Kui Kai Lau, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung, Chak Sing Lau, Gabriel Matthew Leung, Ian Chi Kei Wong
Summary: Based on electronic health records in Hong Kong, the risk of Bell's palsy increased following BNT162b2 vaccination, particularly within 14 days after the second dose. However, the absolute risk remains very low, so the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination still outweigh the small risk of Bell's palsy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Anthony Raymond Tam, Ricky Ruiqi Zhang, Kwok Cheung Lung, Raymond Liu, Ka Yi Leung, Danlei Liu, Yujing Fan, Lu Lu, Athene Hoi Ying Lam, Tom Wai Hin Chung, Cyril Chik Yan Yip, Jenny Lo, Alan Ka Lun Wu, Rodney Lee, Simon Sin, Pauline Yeung Ng, Wai Ming Chan, Hoi Ping Shum, Wing Wa Yan, Jasper Fuk Woo Chan, Vincent Chi Chung Cheng, Chak Sing Lau, Kelvin Kai-Wang, Kwok Hung Chan, Kwok Yung Yuen, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung
Summary: Combined treatment with interferon beta-1b and remdesivir is more effective than remdesivir alone in the treatment of COVID-19, providing relief for symptoms, reducing viral shedding and hospitalization time, and inducing earlier antibody response in high-risk patients.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shuk-Ching Wong, Veronica Wing-Man Chan, Lithia Lai-Ha Yuen, Christine Ho-Yan Auyeung, Jessica Oi-Yan Leung, Chi-Kuen Li, Monica Oi-Tung Kwok, Simon Yung-Chun So, Jonathan Hon-Kwan Chen, Anthony Raymond Tam, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Kelvin Kai-Wang To, Janice Yee-Chi Lo, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
Summary: Despite enhanced indoor air dilution, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 79.2% of the samples obtained from 8 negative-pressure wards in Hong Kong, indicating the difficulty of preventing airborne transmission of the virus in hospitals.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kelvin Hei-Yeung Chiu, Cyril Chik-Yan Yip, Rosana Wing-Shan Poon, Kit-Hang Leung, Xin Li, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Kelvin Kai-Wang To, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, Kwok-Yung Yuen
Summary: Cytokine dynamics in respiratory specimens of COVID-19 patients were studied in this retrospective case-control study. The study found that levels of MPO, ADA, CCL22, TNF alpha, and IL-6 mRNA were significantly higher in infected patients compared to controls, with ADA showing better performance. Additionally, severe COVID-19 patients had lower CCL22 mRNA levels. ADA may be a better biomarker for differentiating between infected and uninfected patients, while CCL22 has potential in stratifying the severity of COVID-19.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Kelvin Hei-Yeung Chiu, Shuk-Ching Wong, Anthony Raymond Tam, Siddharth Sridhar, Cyril Chik-Yan Yip, Kwok-Hung Chan, Nicholas Foo-Siong Chew, Kenyon Ka-Yun Man, Wan-Mui Chan, Jonathan Daniel Ip, Allen Wing-Ho Chu, Janice Yee-Chi Lo, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Kelvin Kai-Wang To, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Carol Ho-Yan Fong, Xiaojuan Zhang, Lin-Lei Chen, Rosana Wing-Shan Poon, Brian Pui-Chun Chan, Yan Zhao, Carlos King-Ho Wong, Kwok-Hung Chan, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Jacqueline Kwan Yuk Yuen, Kelvin Kai-Wang To
Summary: This study examined the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine regimens on vaccine-elicited immunity among adults aged >= 70 years in Hong Kong. The results showed that booster doses enhance immunity in individuals with prior infection, while mRNA vaccine boosters enhance T cell response in non-infected individuals. These findings support the use of booster doses for older adults and the use of mRNA vaccine boosters for non-infected individuals.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Benjamin Y. F. So, Chun Ka Wong, Gordon Chun Kau Chan, Jack Kit Chung Ng, Grace Chung Yan Lui, Cheuk Chun Szeto, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung, Hung Fat Tse, Sydney C. W. Tang, Tak Mao Chan, Kai Ming Chow, Desmond Y. H. Yap
Summary: Hypernatraemia is common in COVID-19 patients, especially during the Omicron era. Patients with hypernatraemia have higher 30-day mortality and longer hospital stays. This study provides insights into the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of hypernatraemia in COVID-19 patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Gordon Chun Kau Chan, Chun Ka Wong, Benjamin Y. F. So, Jack Kit Chung Ng, Grace Chung Yan Lui, Cheuk Chun Szeto, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung, Hung Fat Tse, Sydney C. W. Tang, Tak Mao Chan, Kai Ming Chow, Desmond Y. H. Yap
Summary: This study investigates the epidemiology and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with hyponatremia. The results show that hyponatremic patients have higher 30-day mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and increased ICU admissions. Hyponatremia may serve as a prognostic indicator for unfavorable outcomes in COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Xuxiao Ye, Caige Huang, Vincent Ka Chun Yan, Wei Kang, Min Fan, Gigi Kwan Chi Tsang, Clarissa Mung Yee Ho, Gregory Y. H. Lip, Kai-Hang Yiu, Hung-Fat Tse, Tiantian Ma, Xiwen Qin, Celine Sze Ling Chui, Francisco Tsz Tsun Lai, Carlos King Ho Wong, Eric Yuk Fai Wan, Xue Li, Cheuk Kwong Lee, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung, Ian Chi Kei Wong, Esther Wai Yin Chan
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the risk of ischaemic stroke or systemic embolism and bleeding following COVID-19 vaccination in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), with a focus on sex differences. The results showed that there was an increased risk of ischaemic stroke or systemic embolism in female patients with AF after receiving the first dose of BNT162b2 or CoronaVac. However, the risk was even higher after COVID-19 infection.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ruiqi Zhang, Kwok-Hung Chan, Pui Wang, Runhong Zhou, Henry Kwong-Chi Yau, Creany Ka-Wai Wong, Meena Wai-Lam Au, Anthony Raymond Tam, Chi-Tao Ng, Matthew Kwok-Chung Lou, Na Liu, Haode Huang, Shaofeng Deng, Rachel Chun-Yee Tam, Ying Liu, Teng Long, Hoi-Wah Tsoi, Miko K. W. Ng, Jian-Piao Cai, Kelvin Kai-Wang To, Man-Fung Yuen, Zhiwei Chen, Honglin Chen, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
Summary: An intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, DelNS1-based RBD vaccines composed of H1N1 subtype (DelNS1-nCoV-RBD LAIV) was developed and tested for safety and immunogenicity in healthy adults. The study recruited 29 participants who were randomly assigned to receive the low or high dose vaccine or a placebo. The vaccine showed moderate mucosal immunogenicity and was well-tolerated, indicating the need for further clinical trials.
Article
Immunology
Ka Shing Cheung, Lok Ka Lam, Xianhua Mao, Jing Tong Tan, Poh Hwa Ooi, Ruiqi Zhang, Kwok Hung Chan, Ivan F. N. Hung, Wai Kay Seto, Man Fung Yuen
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on the immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccine against wild-type and variant strains of SARS-CoV-2, as well as infection outcome. The results showed that NAFLD patients who received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine had good immunogenicity against wild-type and delta variant strains, but poor immunogenicity against the omicron variant, and they were not at a higher risk of infection compared to the control group.
Article
Microbiology
Ulrich Wernery, Jade L. L. Teng, Yuanchao Ma, Joerg Kinne, Man-Lung Yeung, Safna Anas, Susanna K. P. Lau, Patrick C. Y. Woo
Summary: This study used next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect all possible viruses in five lung samples from five dromedaries with histopathological evidence of adult camel leukosis and four tissue samples from two control dromedaries. The results showed that no bovine leukemia virus (BLV) or its genetic variants or any other virus was detected in the nine tissue samples.
Article
Neurosciences
Tom Wai-Hin Chung, Hui Zhang, Fergus Kai-Chuen Wong, Siddharth Sridhar, Tatia Mei-Chun Lee, Gilberto Ka-Kit Leung, Koon-Ho Chan, Kui-Kai Lau, Anthony Raymond Tam, Deborah Tip-Yin Ho, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Henry Ka-Fung Mak
Summary: This pilot trial recruited long COVID patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction and found that a combination treatment of oral vitamin A and olfactory training was effective in improving olfactory function.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
David Tak Wai Lui, Kimberly Hang Tsoi, Chi Ho Lee, Chloe Yu Yan Cheung, Carol Ho Yi Fong, Alan Chun Hong Lee, Anthony Raymond Tam, Polly Pang, Tip Yin Ho, Chun Yiu Law, Ching Wan Lam, Kelvin Kai Wang To, Wing Sun Chow, Yu Cho Woo, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung, Kathryn Choon Beng Tan, Karen Siu Ling Lam
Summary: This study evaluated the evolution of thyroid function and autoimmunity among COVID-19 survivors over 6 months. The results showed that most abnormal thyroid function in acute COVID-19 resolved within 6 months, and SARS-CoV-2 infection did not lead to change in thyroid autoimmunity. Interferon treatment was associated with a modest increase in anti-thyroid antibody titres. Thyroid function and anti-thyroid antibodies did not play a significant role in long COVID.
